Pakistan, Türkiye pledge stronger strategic partnership, push for regional peace at Antalya Forum

-- Both leaders reaffirm brotherly ties and shared vision for stability
-- Türkiye backs Pakistan's diplomatic efforts for regional peace
-- Focus on Middle East crisis and sustaining ceasefire momentum
-- Economic cooperation and HLSCC meeting in focus

ANTALYA: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday held a wide-ranging meeting on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, reaffirming their resolve to further deepen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, rooted in historic, fraternal ties and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, and other senior Pakistani officials. On the Turkish side, Hakan Fidan and senior government representatives were present.

President Erdoğan warmly welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz and expressed appreciation for his participation in the high-level forum, which has emerged as a key platform for global dialogue. He lauded Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalation and peacebuilding in the region, assuring that Türkiye would continue to extend full support to Islamabad’s efforts for stability and dialogue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked President Erdoğan for the warm invitation and the traditional hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He congratulated the Turkish leadership on successfully hosting the forum, noting that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum had grown into an important international gathering for addressing pressing global challenges.

During the meeting, the two leaders held detailed discussions on evolving regional dynamics, with particular focus on the situation in the Middle East. The prime minister shared Pakistan’s perspective on ongoing diplomatic engagements and briefed President Erdoğan on efforts to sustain the ceasefire and revive dialogue processes aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of utilising the current “window of opportunity” to advance peace initiatives and avoid further escalation. They underscored the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts and constructive engagement to ensure long-term regional stability.

Reaffirming the deep-rooted and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, the two sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. They agreed to convene the 8th session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Ankara later this year, a key institutional mechanism guiding bilateral engagement.

The leaders also stressed the importance of accelerating the implementation of ongoing joint initiatives and exploring new avenues for enhanced economic cooperation, including trade, investment, and connectivity. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening economic ties as a cornerstone of the broader strategic partnership.

The meeting reflected the continued alignment between Islamabad and Ankara on regional and global issues, as well as their shared resolve to work closely for peace, stability, and mutual prosperity.