Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach during the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, engaging in a series of high-level trilateral and bilateral meetings to address the volatile security environment in the Middle East and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Trilateral Cooperation for Regional Peace
On Friday, April 17, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a trilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders focused on ongoing peace efforts and the worrying situation in Gaza and Palestine.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the three leaders agreed to maintain close cooperation to advance dialogue and diplomacy, aiming for lasting stability across the region.
Strengthening the Pakistan-Türkiye Strategic Partnership
In a separate bilateral meeting with President Erdoğan, the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Shehbaz shared updates on efforts to extend the ceasefire and resume talks to reach a formal peace agreement.
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of bilateral relations and agreed to convene the 8th session of the Pakistan–Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Ankara later this year. They also emphasized the need to expedite current initiatives and explore fresh economic opportunities.
U.S. Engagement and Regional Stability
The Prime Minister also met with Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump for Arab and African Affairs. Boulos conveyed greetings from President Trump and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive contributions to regional stability.
The discussions touched upon shared priorities, including economic development and counter-terrorism. Prime Minister Shehbaz lauded President Trump’s leadership regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon and the ceasefire between Pakistan and India that occurred last year.
Broader Diplomatic Outreach
While the Prime Minister participated in the forum’s “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties” panel, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conducted several bilateral meetings. Dar met with the foreign ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), as well as the Vice Minister for Strategy and Intelligence of the Republic of Korea.
These meetings focused on historical bonds, the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora in the TRNC, and mutual appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace.
Context of the Three-Nation Tour
The visit to Antalya is the final leg of a three-country tour that included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In Jeddah, the Prime Minister met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss economic stability and their “enduring partnership.”
This diplomatic push comes amid severe regional tension following a joint U.S.-Israel offensive on Iran on February 28, which killed thousands, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event triggered Iranian retaliatory strikes and restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the failure of 21-hour marathon negotiations between the U.S. And Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz had previously announced a two-week immediate ceasefire framework on April 11, which led to the arrival of U.S. And Iranian delegations in Pakistan for the historic Islamabad Talks.
Given the current diplomatic momentum, the upcoming HLSCC meeting in Ankara could further solidify economic ties, while continued engagement with U.S. And regional leaders may lead to further attempts at a durable peace agreement in the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the trilateral meeting in Antalya?
The meeting between the leaders of Pakistan, Turkiye, and Qatar was held to take stock of regional developments and ongoing peace efforts, specifically discussing the worrying situation in Gaza and Palestine.
What is the HLSCC and when will it meet?
The High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) is a mechanism for institutional engagement between Pakistan and Türkiye; the 8th session is scheduled to be held in Ankara later this year.
What role did Pakistan play in the U.S.-Iran conflict?
Prime Minister Shehbaz announced a two-week immediate ceasefire framework “everywhere, including Lebanon” on April 11, and subsequently invited U.S. And Iranian delegations to Pakistan for the Islamabad Talks.
Do you believe regional diplomacy can effectively resolve the current tensions in the Middle East?
