Antalya (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Antalya on Thursday, marking the third leg of his three-nation tour following official visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The premier, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on an official visit from April 15 to 18. Earlier in the day, he visited Doha, where he met Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss regional developments and bilateral ties.
Upon arrival in Antalya, he was received by Governor Hulusi Şahin, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Yousuf Junaid and senior officials.
During his stay, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to attend the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum and is expected to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other global leaders.
In his meeting with the Qatari emir, the prime minister emphasized the need for de-escalation, dialogue, and international coordination in light of the evolving regional situation. He reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of attacks targeting Qatar and expressed full solidarity with its people.
PM Shehbaz also thanked the Qatari leadership for the gesture of sending fighter jets to escort his aircraft upon entering Qatari airspace, describing it as a reflection of deep-rooted bilateral ties and hospitality.
Both sides reviewed cooperation in key sectors including security, defence, and energy, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting, held at the emir’s palace, lasted over an hour and included senior officials from both countries.
Earlier, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, the prime minister met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation.
PM Shehbaz expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid recent regional tensions and appreciated the kingdom’s restraint. He also briefed the crown prince on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including its role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
The Saudi leadership acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace, including the contributions of Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir.
The prime minister also visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina, where he offered prayers for peace, stability, and prosperity for Pakistan and the Muslim world.
According to the Foreign Office, the visits aim to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional peace and security, while in Turkiye, the prime minister will present Pakistan’s perspective at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum alongside world leaders.
