Prime Minister 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 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 addressed the forum earlier in the day, attracted considerable attention as leaders gathered in a room and engaged in an informal discussion on issues of common interest.
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 as he engaged in separate talks with them.
Earlier, he also joined world leaders at the iconic neutrality monument here for a wreath-laying ceremony before addressing the forum, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of global disputes, while urging the international community to pressure the Afghan Taliban to honor their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan.
President of Iran
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with the 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 given each other when they had faced external aggression earlier this year, a press release from the prime minister’s office 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 to work closely together to strengthen bilateral cooperation to increase the volume of bilateral trade, operationalize border markets, strengthen border security and revive transport links through the Islamabad-Istanbulehr network.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to urge the Afghan Taliban regime to take meaningful steps to address Pakistan’s serious security concerns regarding terrorism originating 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 wished 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 Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Neutrality Monument
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday joined the leaders of various countries at the iconic Neutrality Monument to lay a wreath to commemorate 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.
In addition to Prime Minister Shehbaz, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tajikistan’s Emomali Rahmon and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev were also among the leaders alongside the UN representatives of the international wrid monuments and other international organizations.
