Shehbaz meets world leaders in Ashgabat

PM holds informal talks with Putin, Erdogan, central Asian leaders, plus a formal meeting with Iran's Pezeshkian

ASHGABAT:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday exchanged pleasantries with the 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, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The prime minister, who delivered an address at the forum earlier in the day, drew significant attention as leaders gathered in a room, engaging in an informal discussions on issues of mutual interest.

A video clip released by the Prime Minister's Office showed Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly holding hands with Russian President Putin and Kyrgyz President Zhaparov while engaging in separate conversations with them.

Earlier, he also joined the 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 settlement of global disputes, while urging the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honour their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.

Iran president

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian here on Friday at the sidelines of the international moot.

During their warm and cordial meeting, both leaders appreciated the strong support that their countries had provided to each other when they had faced external aggression earlier this year, a Prime Minister's Office news release said.

While noting the successful convening of the 22nd meeting of the Pak-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 enhancing the volume of bilateral trade, operationalizing border markets, strengthening border security, and reinvigorating transport connectivity through the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.

Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

The prime minister stressed upon the need to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take meaningful action to address Pakistan's serious security concerns as regards terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.

Both leaders also discussed ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.

President Pezeshkian thanked the prime minister for the most useful and timely exchange of views and stated that Iran also desired 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.

PM Shehbaz conveyed his warm regards and good wishes for Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Neutrality Monument

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday joined the leaders from various countries at the iconic Neutrality Monument, to lay a wreath in commemoration of the International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality.

At the invitation of Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the prime minister is on a two-day official visit to Ashgabat.

Besides Prime Minister Shehbaz, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were also among the leaders besides the representatives of the United Nations and other international organisations who laid wreath at the monument.