Antalya (April 17, 2026) — Following successful high-level engagements in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Antalya on Thursday. This visit marks the third and final stop of his tri-nation tour, focused on solidifying regional peace and economic partnerships.
Key Highlights
- Greeted by Antalya Governor Hulusi Şahin and a senior diplomatic reception.
- The PM will address the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, sharing Pakistan’s recent successes in Middle East mediation.
- Held a cordial introductory session with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shortly after arrival.
- A much-anticipated one-on-one meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled for the sidelines of the forum.
انطالیہ: 16 اپریل 2026.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف اپنے دورہءِ ترکیہ پر انطالیہ پہنچ گئے.
انطالیہ کے گورنر ہلوسی شاہین (Hulusi Şahin) نے ہوائی اڈے پر وزیرِ اعظم و پاکستانی وفد کا پرتپاک استقبال کیا. اس موقع پر پاکستان کے ترکیہ میں سفیر یوسف جنید اور اعلی سفارتی اہلکار بھی… pic.twitter.com/H60djTIBYO
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 16, 2026
A warm welcome in a “second home”
During his first engagement in Antalya, PM Shehbaz met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Prime Minister described Turkiye as his “second home,” expressing gratitude for the characteristically warm hospitality. Minister Fidan conveyed President Erdogan’s personal regards, noting that the Turkish leadership is eager to discuss the evolving regional security landscape with the Pakistani delegation.
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum
The centerpiece of the visit is the Prime Minister’s participation in the Leaders’ Panel at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. He is expected to present a comprehensive view on constructive diplomacy, drawing from Pakistan’s recent role as a bridge between the United States and Iran.
Antalya: 16 April, 2026.
H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, today paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who arrived in Antalya, Turkiye, earlier this evening.… pic.twitter.com/hmgvTti8vj
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) April 16, 2026
Strategic and economic agenda
Accompanied by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and SAPM Tariq Fatemi, the Prime Minister’s discussions in Turkiye are set to cover:
Defense Cooperation: Building on existing maritime and aerospace joint ventures.
Regional Peace: Coordinating efforts to turn the current temporary truce in the Gulf into a permanent settlement.
Trade: Reviewing the progress of bilateral trade agreements and investment in the energy sector.
As the 15-day ceasefire in the Middle East approaches its expiration on April 22, the Prime Minister’s presence in Turkiye serves to unify the perspectives of key regional allies. His tour, spanning three of the most influential capitals in the Muslim world, underscores Pakistan’s renewed standing as a pivotal diplomatic actor on the global stage.
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