PM Shehbaz returns after Antalya Diplomacy Forum and Gulf visits

Pakistan’s peace efforts amid the ongoing regional and global situation remained the focus during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s three-nation tour to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye amid tensions in the Middle East, the government said on Saturday.

The prime minister’s tour consisted of visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, where, in addition to meetings with the leaders of the three countries, he also held meetings with other global leaders participating in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.

“During his visits, the Prime Minister discussed further strengthening relations with brotherly countries, Pakistan’s efforts to establish peace in the region and the regional and global situation,” the government said on Day X as Prime Minister Shehbaz left Antalya for Pakistan.

“At Antalya Airport, Turkish Foreign Ministry Director General Ambassador Tolga Bermek, Ambassador Nilufer Kaygisiz, Member of Turkish Parliament Burhan Kayaturk and Pakistani Ambassador to Turkiye Dr. Yusuf Junaid bid farewell to the Prime Minister and the Pakistani delegation,” he added.

The Pakistani delegation that accompanied the prime minister included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for Foreign Media Mosharraf Zaidi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the hospitality extended during his visit. In a post on X, the prime minister said he was grateful for the “exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality” extended to him and his delegation.

He said he was leaving the city of Antalya with “cherished memories” and a renewed commitment to further strengthen the enduring ties of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue close cooperation with Türkiye to promote dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and stability in the region.

FM Dar said he concluded the final leg of his engagements after what he described as “productive and fruitful visits” during the trip. He said the visits included meaningful bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in key areas.

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz had an “excellent interaction” with Erdoğan and also interacted with other leaders on the sidelines of the forum. He added that he also held a series of important meetings and exchanges during the event.

Foreign Minister Dar said the forum had become a global platform for dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives in support of peace, stability and cooperation.

He expressed gratitude to the Turkish government and people for their hospitality and arrangements, which he said made the forum a success. He also thanked the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara for its support and efforts during the visit.

On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz and Erdogan reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries, based on brotherly ties and a shared vision of peace and prosperity.

The meeting was attended by FM Dar, Tarar and other senior officials. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and other senior Turkish officials were also present.

Read: Pakistan and Turkiye promise to take advantage of the opening of peace

The two leaders emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing the current window of opportunity to promote lasting and lasting regional peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also took stock of regional developments and ongoing peace efforts in a trilateral meeting with the leaders of Turkiye and Qatar at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Read more: Prime Minister Shehbaz arrives in Turkiye on the last leg of his three-country tour

The prime minister arrived in Turkiye on Thursday to attend the forum where he held informal meetings with many world leaders.

“The meetings were held in a cordial atmosphere. During the meetings, the Prime Minister remained the center of attention of world leaders. The meetings also included an exchange of views on the global situation and regional developments,” the Prime Minister’s Office reported.