Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday interacted with multiple world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the International Forum for the International Year of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. While footage showed cordial exchanges with Putin, no official bilateral meeting was reported.

In a detailed discussion with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Shehbaz expressed his commitment to deepening cooperation in political, energy, economic, defence, and investment sectors. Both leaders emphasized energy, petroleum, and minerals as priority areas, with Shehbaz urging timely implementation of recently signed agreements.

The two leaders also exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments. Shehbaz appreciated Erdogan’s leadership and Turkey’s constructive role in facilitating peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, while stressing that lasting peace depends on fully addressing Islamabad’s security concerns.

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Separately, Shehbaz met Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, focusing on enhancing bilateral trade, operationalising border markets, boosting border security coordination, and reviving regional transport links, particularly the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail corridor. Both leaders highlighted the importance of coordinated pressure on the Afghan Taliban to curb cross-border terrorism.

The Gaza situation was also discussed, with both sides sharing views on ongoing diplomatic efforts. Pezeshkian described the talks as timely and constructive, reflecting the historically close relations between Pakistan and Iran rooted in shared culture, faith, and geography.

Shehbaz’s interactions with key regional leaders underline Pakistan’s strategic focus on strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, addressing security concerns, and promoting economic cooperation across South and West Asia.

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