Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began a two-day official visit to Turkiye on Sunday, where he met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. This trip marks the first stop in a four-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s ties with friendly countries and expressing gratitude for their support during the recent conflict with India.
The meeting between PM Shehbaz and President Erdogan took place at Dolmabahce Palace and included a delegation-level discussion. According to state broadcaster PTV News, the Pakistani delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, PM Shehbaz was warmly received by Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, President of the Pakistan-Turkiye Cultural Association Burhan Kayaturk, Ambassador Yousaf Junaid, Consul General Nouman Aslam, and other senior Turkish and Pakistani officials.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in various areas such as defence, economy, tourism, and culture. The visit is intended to personally thank the Turkish leadership for standing with Pakistan during the recent escalation with India.
In addition to Turkiye, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan from May 25 to 30. The Foreign Office noted that these nations had extended diplomatic support to Pakistan during the recent tensions with India. The tour is expected to include comprehensive talks on bilateral ties and regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Fahrettin Altun, Erdogan’s Communications Director, said on X that the meeting would cover bilateral relations, regional matters, and the joint fight against terrorism. He also mentioned that the implementation of initiatives under the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council would be reviewed.
During the last stop in Tajikistan, PM Shehbaz will participate in the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29–30.
In the recent conflict with India, Turkiye supported Pakistan’s restraint and peaceful approach. President Erdogan reaffirmed his solidarity with Pakistan. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also extended congratulations to PM Shehbaz following a ceasefire, while Iran played a mediatory role, engaging both India and Pakistan diplomatically.
The support from Turkiye and Azerbaijan caused backlash in India, where travelers canceled trips and companies boycotted Turkish products. Additionally, Adani Group-run airports in India terminated contracts with Istanbul-based Çelebi.
PM Shehbaz’s tour comes amid increased diplomatic efforts by Pakistan to solidify international support. Earlier, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar also held a phone conversation with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, discussing regional projects like the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Line and reaffirming commitment to finalizing the framework agreement soon.
