Pakistan's peace efforts and regional situation focus of attention in PM Shehbaz's tri-nation visit

PM Shehbaz says he departs the city of Antalya with 'cherished memories'

Pakistan's peace efforts amid the current regional and global situation remained the focus of attention 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 leadership 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 the brotherly countries, Pakistan's efforts for establishing peace in the region, and the regional and global situation," the government said on X as PM Shehbaz departed from Antalya for Pakistan.

"At Antalya Airport, Turkey's Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tolga Bermek, Ambassador Nilufer Kaygisiz, Member of the Turkish Parliament Burhan Kayaturk, and Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yusuf Junaid bid farewell to the prime minister and the Pakistani delegation", it further added.

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

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اپنا سہ ملکی دورہءِ سعودی عرب، قطر اور ترکیہ مکمل کرکے انطالیہ، ترکیہ سے پاکستان روانہ.

انطالیہ ایئرپورٹ پر ترکیہ کے وزارت خارجہ کے ڈائریکٹر جنرل سفیر تولگا برمیک (Ambassador Tolga (Bermek , سفیر نیلوفر کیگسیز ( Nilufer Kaygisiz) , ممبر ترکیہ پارلیمنٹ… pic.twitter.com/C0ZqH9g5iW

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 18, 2026

PM Shehbaz expressed 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 thankful for the “exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality” extended to him and his delegation.

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

PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing close cooperation with Turkey in advancing dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and stability in the region.

As I depart the beautiful city of Antalya, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation.

I leave Antalya, with fond memories and a renewed commitment…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 18, 2026

FM Dar said that 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 across key areas.

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said PM Shehbaz had an “excellent interaction” with Erdoğan and also engaged 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.

FM Dar said the forum had developed into 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 throughout the visit.

 

We have just concluded the last leg of our engagements following productive and fruitful visits, accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where we held meaningful bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas.…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) April 18, 2026

On Friday, PM Shehbaz and Erdogan reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the strategic partnership between their countries, building on fraternal ties and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.

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

Read: Pakistan, Turkiye vow to capitalise on peace opening

The two leaders emphasised the importance of effectively utilising the current window of opportunity to advance a durable and lasting regional peace.

PM 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: PM Shehbaz arrives in Turkiye on last leg of 3-nation tour

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

"The meetings took place in a cordial atmosphere. During the meetings, the prime minister remained the centre of attention for the global leaders. The meetings also involved an exchange of views on the global situation and regional developments," the Prime Minister's Office had said.