PM Shehbaz urges dialogue, de-escalation in meeting with Iranian president Pezeshkian

ANTALYA, Turkiye: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for dialogue, restraint and de-escalation to secure lasting regional peace during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Antalya, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to continue playing a constructive role in diplomatic efforts.

The two leaders also agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations to address regional challenges and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz expressed deep concern over the prolonged conflict and stressed the need for sustained diplomatic engagement to restore peace and stability in the region.

He also emphasised the importance of building on the understandings reached under the Islamabad MoU of June 2026.

President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic support to Iran and its efforts to promote regional peace and security.

The Iranian president also expressed Tehran’s desire to deepen cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors, citing the two countries’ longstanding ties rooted in shared history, culture and faith.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 31st session of the United Nations climate conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkiye.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Senator Sherry Rehman and senior officials from both countries were also present.

PM Shehbaz meets world leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Kuwaiti counterpart Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on Wednesday agreed to deepen economic ties, particularly in trade and investment, during a meeting in Antalya, with both sides also welcoming the ratification of a defence cooperation agreement.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development and people-to-people exchanges during their meeting on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations climate conference (COP31).

According to a statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest and ensuring that economic ties reflected the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.

They also welcomed the recent ratification of a defence cooperation agreement by both sides, expressing hope that it would further promote bilateral ties.

The two prime ministers exchanged views on regional and international developments, including peace and security challenges, the impact of climate change and the importance of international cooperation for sustainable development.

Shehbaz also held informal meetings with several world leaders and senior officials on the sidelines of the climate summit, including Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

He also met Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and expressed Pakistan’s strong solidarity with the Palestinian people on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.

Mustafa thanked Pakistan’s government and people for raising their voice internationally against the injustices faced by Palestinians and supporting their cause.

Other informal interactions included meetings with Turkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdogan, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

The discussions, held in a cordial atmosphere, covered ways to strengthen bilateral relations, the regional situation and the need to highlight the challenges faced by countries most vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

The two prime ministers agreed to work together for mutual prosperity, regional stability and sustainable development.