Prime Minister Shehbaz returns after Antalya Diplomacy Forum and Gulf visit

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

The Prime Minister’s trip 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 who participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026.

“During his visits, the Prime Minister discussed further strengthening of relations with the brotherly countries, Pakistan’s efforts to bring peace in the region and the regional and global situation,” the government said on X when Prime Minister Shehbaz left 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 Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Prime Minister’s Foreign Media Spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the hospitality extended to him during his visit. In a post at 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 left the city of Antalya with “cherished memories” and a renewed commitment to further strengthen the enduring bond of brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye.

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

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

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said Prime Minister 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 number of important meetings and exchanges during the event.

FM Dar said the forum had evolved 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Prime Minister 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 at the center of 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.