The prime minister is holding informal talks with Putin, Erdogan and Central Asian leaders, as well as a formal meeting with Iran’s Pezeshkian.
ASKHABAT:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday exchanged pleasantries with world leaders at the international forum in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
On the sidelines of the event, the prime minister held informal interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The prime minister, who delivered a speech at the forum earlier in the day, attracted a lot of attention as the leaders gathered in a room to engage in informal discussions on issues of mutual concern.
A video clip released by the Prime Minister’s Office showed Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly shaking hands with Russian President Putin and Kyrgyz President Zhaparov while holding separate talks with them.
Earlier, he also joined world leaders at the iconic Neutrality Monument here, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony before addressing the forum where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes, while urging the international community to pressure the Afghan Taliban to fulfill their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.
president of iran
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian here on Friday on the sidelines of the international debate.
During their warm and cordial meeting, both leaders appreciated the strong support their countries had provided each other when faced with external aggression earlier this year, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
While highlighting the successful holding of the 22nd meeting of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission earlier this year, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for both sides to continue working closely to strengthen bilateral cooperation with a view to improving the volume of bilateral trade, operationalizing border markets, strengthening border security and revitalizing transport connectivity through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul railway network.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take meaningful steps to address Pakistan’s serious security concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
Both leaders also discussed ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.
President Pezeshkian thanked the Prime Minister for the very useful and timely exchange of views and stated that Iran also wanted to further strengthen its ties with Pakistan.
The meeting reflected the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, rooted in their shared history, culture and faith. Both leaders agreed to continue regular high-level engagements and consultations to further consolidate bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei.
Monument to Neutrality
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday joined leaders of several countries at the iconic Neutrality Monument to lay a wreath in commemoration of International Neutrality Day and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
At the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the Prime Minister is on a two-day official visit to Ashgabat.
In addition to Prime Minister Shehbaz, leaders who laid wreaths at the monument also included President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow, President of Russia Vladimir Putin, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
