Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s latest diplomatic push in Ashgabat has marked a significant step forward as regional cooperation gains momentum through a series of high-level meetings with leaders from Russia, Turkiye, Iran, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The visit focused on strengthening regional ties, boosting bilateral trade, and addressing shared security concerns.
During a detailed meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, both sides explored new avenues of collaboration across economic, energy, and regional sectors. The engagement reflected Pakistan’s growing interest in partnerships that support stability and economic development across the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, welcoming Turkiye’s growing interest in Pakistan’s energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in political, defense, economic, and energy fields. They also highlighted the strategic importance of the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network, which could become a major trade corridor connecting three key regional economies.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing security concerns, PM Shehbaz appreciated Turkiye’s efforts to support peace in Gaza and help defuse Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. He made it clear that lasting regional peace cannot be achieved without fully addressing Pakistan’s security priorities.
In his meeting with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the two leaders expressed mutual support against external aggression. They agreed to scale up bilateral trade, develop border markets, strengthen security coordination, and accelerate projects linked to the Balochistan transport network. PM Shehbaz once again raised serious concerns over cross-border terrorism and urged the Afghan government to take effective action.
The Prime Minister also held informal interactions with the Presidents of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where the discussions centered on regional developments and enhancing mutual cooperation.
During his visit to the Neutrality Monument in Ashgabat, PM Shehbaz joined the Presidents of Russia, Turkiye, and Uzbekistan in laying flowers to honor Turkmenistan’s legacy of neutrality. He reiterated Pakistan’s offer to provide Turkmenistan trade access through the Karachi and Gwadar ports — a gesture that further reflects how regional cooperation gains momentum through enhanced connectivity.
Addressing the Global Peace and Security Forum, the Prime Minister emphasized that the international community must hold the Afghan government accountable for regional instability. He stressed that peaceful dispute resolution remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to global peace and security.
Earlier, in his bilateral meeting with the Turkmen President, PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of expanding land and maritime connectivity and once again offered Turkmenistan full access to South Asia via Pakistan’s ports. He also praised the hospitality and traditions of Ashgabat, congratulating Turkmenistan on 30 years of permanent neutrality.
