PM Shehbaz pushes for diplomacy to resolve disputes at Ashgabat forum
Source: Radio Pak
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized the need for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy while addressing the international forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
“Peaceful resolution of disputes is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy,” the Prime Minister said. Referring to the Middle East, he added, “Pakistan supports the Gaza peace plan and its subsequent endorsement by the UN Security Council. We hope ongoing efforts will ensure a permanent ceasefire, allow the flow of critical humanitarian aid, and help in the reconstruction of Gaza.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing The
International Forum dedicated to The International year of Peace and Trust 2025, The International Day of Neutrality and the 30th Anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality. @CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/U6QwwXpAtgOn the issue of Kashmir and Palestine, he said, “Pakistan has been and shall continue to support all efforts aimed at upholding the inalienable right to self-determination of Palestinian people as well as the brave and resilient Kashmiri people.”
Addressing global terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif called on the international community to “urge the Afghan Taliban regime to fulfill its international obligations and commitments and rein in terror elements operating from its territory.”
On sustainable development, the Prime Minister said, “The pursuit of lasting peace is intrinsically linked to the path of sustainable development. The 2030 agenda presents a universal blueprint for a better and peaceful world.”
Highlighting domestic priorities, he said, “Socio-economic development and welfare of the people is my government’s foremost priority. We have advanced financial inclusion and brought women and marginalized communities into the economic mainstream.”
On climate action, Shehbaz Sharif said, “Pakistan has demonstrated its strong commitment to cleaner and greener solutions and set a global example in ecosystem restoration. However, like other developing countries, our quest for sustainable development faces challenges from climate-induced disasters and inequities in international economic relations.”
Read: PM Shehbaz departs for two-day official visit to Turkmenistan
Describing climate change, poverty, and inequality as “transnational threats,” he emphasized that “these challenges demand international solutions built on shared responsibility and unity of purpose” and that “access to advanced technologies, especially digital technologies, must be equitable.”
On regional connectivity, the Prime Minister said, “Investments in connectivity projects should not just move goods but also serve as bridges for peoples, ideas, and prosperity. The international community must chart a common course toward a future defined by peace, mutual trust, and shared prosperity.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the international forum in Ashgabat, expressing Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Meeting of the Prime Minister with President of Türkiye on the sidelines of International Conference on Peace and Trust
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, today, on the sidelines of the International Forum… pic.twitter.com/7jG3qb471rThe leaders reaffirmed the historic and deep fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, while PM Shehbaz welcomed the convening of the 16th session of the Pak-Turkiye Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), which will ensure the implementation of decisions made during the 7th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).
Highlighting priority areas, the Prime Minister identified energy, petroleum, and minerals as key sectors and welcomed Turkish interest and investments. He also urged both sides to ensure timely implementation of recently signed MOUs and agreements in these critical areas.
PM Shehbaz emphasized Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from Turkish expertise in the privatisation of distribution companies, and it was agreed that ministerial-level exchanges would take place soon.
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی جمہوریہ ترکیہ کے صدر عزت مآب رجب طیب ایردوان سے آج اشک آباد میں امن و اعتماد کے بین الاقوامی سال کے لیے وقف بین الاقوامی فورم کے موقع پر ملاقات ہوئی.@CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/Xc7tGlV8M2
On regional connectivity, the premier highlighted the revival of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network as a key initiative. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with PM Shehbaz lauding Erdogan’s leadership and commitment to peace efforts in Gaza.
Turning to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the Prime Minister thanked Turkiye for its constructive role in facilitating talks, while noting that lasting peace would only be possible if Pakistan’s security concerns were fully addressed. President Erdogan thanked PM Shehbaz and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral ties.
In addition to the Turkish president, PM Shehbaz held informal meetings with several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajikistan’s Emomali Rahmon, and Kyrgyzstan’s Sadyr Japarov, PTV News reported.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا دورہءِ ترکمانستان
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی اشک آباد میں عالمی رہنماؤں سے غیر رسمی ملاقات
بین الاقوامی سال برائے امن و اعتماد (International Year of Peace and Trust-2025)، عالمی دن برائے غیر جانبداری (International Day of Neutrality) اور… pic.twitter.com/Yq3MRQvTtKPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and leaders attending the International Forum, on Friday, also visited the iconic Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat, marking a key moment in Pakistan–Turkmenistan diplomatic engagement.
During the visit, a floral wreath laying ceremony was held at the monument, symbolising respect for Turkmenistan’s longstanding commitment to neutrality and peace.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with global leaders in Ashgabat, visited the Monument of Neutrality.
On the occasion, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Uzbekistan’s President… pic.twitter.com/NjeTtlyL5hLater, the Prime Minister is scheduled to take part in the International Forum. The forum, attended by high-level representatives from around the world, aims to promote global peace, stability and cooperation through dialogue and shared initiatives.
PTV, the state broadcaster, also aired the visit and posted footage on X.
براہِ راست:وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اشک آباد میں یادگارِ غیر جانبداری پہنچ گئے۔ https://t.co/rhnoljxDt7
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has played a central role in hosting the event, reflecting Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts as declared by the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of Ashgabat.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed matters of mutual interest.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the prime minister congratulated the Turkmen president on the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to enhance connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally located to be utilised by the Turkmen side to enhance their outreach to South Asia and beyond.
Read More: Iraq’s Turkmen gas deal collapses under US pressure
The prime minister arrived in Ashgabat, on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan from 11-12 December 2025.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other members of the cabinet and senior government officials.