WORLD NEWS
ASHGABAT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of meetings with the leaders of several regional countries in Turkmenistan, focusing on strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
During his stay in Ashgabat, the prime minister met the presidents of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The discussions centered on boosting bilateral ties and enhancing collaboration on regional and international matters.
In talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, both sides reviewed opportunities for cooperation in various fields and exchanged views on regional developments. Separately, PM Shehbaz met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and welcomed Ankara’s interest in Pakistan’s energy, petroleum and mineral sectors.
The two leaders agreed to further strengthen political, defence, economic and energy relations, while underscoring the importance of the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul rail corridor for regional connectivity. The prime minister also highlighted Pakistan’s security challenges, appreciated Turkiye’s role in humanitarian efforts related to Gaza, and acknowledged its support in easing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He stressed that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without addressing Pakistan’s security concerns.
During his meeting with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, both sides reaffirmed their opposition to external aggression and agreed to expand bilateral trade. They also discussed measures to develop border markets, improve border security and enhance connectivity through the Balochistan transport network. PM Shehbaz raised serious concerns over cross-border terrorism and called on the Afghan authorities to take concrete steps to curb militant activity.
The prime minister also held informal interactions with the presidents of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, exchanging views on mutual relations and regional issues.
While in Ashgabat, PM Shehbaz visited the Neutrality Monument, where he laid floral tributes alongside the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Uzbekistan. On the occasion, he reiterated Pakistan’s offer to provide Turkmenistan access to international trade routes through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar.
Addressing the Global Peace and Security Forum, the prime minister emphasized the need for the international community to hold the Afghan government accountable. He reiterated that peaceful settlement of disputes remains a central pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to global peace and stability.
PM Shehbaz also expressed appreciation for Turkmen hospitality and congratulated Turkmenistan on three decades of permanent neutrality. Earlier, in a bilateral meeting with the Turkmen president, he renewed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen trade and economic ties, highlighted the importance of stronger land and sea connectivity, and once again offered the use of Karachi and Gwadar ports to facilitate Turkmenistan’s access to South Asian markets.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/pakistan-secures-1-2bn-imf-disbursement-after-board-approval/
