PM Shehbaz returns to Lahore after ‘successful’ visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Lahore following his “successful” visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye, the PM Office said. Upon his arrival at the airport, the prime minister was received by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Senior Advisor to Punjab Government Ali Dar. Minister Naqvi also briefed the PM on the recent developments and visits. The prime minister on April 15 embarked on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye, after Washington and Tehran held their highest-level talks in decades in Islamabad, to bolster efforts to end the regional conflict. During his tri-nation visit, PM Shehbaz was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior officials as well. They held “meaningful bilateral discussions” aimed at strengthening cooperation across key areas on this trip, DPM and Foreign Minister Dar earlier said in a social media post. At the #AntalyaDiplomacyForum, PM Shehbaz also had an excellent interaction with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and engaged meaningfully with other leaders on the sidelines of the forum. Dar also held a series of important engagements and exchanges. “This platform has truly evolved into a global space for dialogue, bringing together diverse perspectives in support of peace, stability, and cooperation. I extend my sincere appreciation to the government and people of Türkiye for their warm hospitality and excellent arrangements that made the forum a success, ” he stated. On Thursday, PM Shehbaz and Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani underscored the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts in the Middle East and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly ensuring the maintenance of smooth flow of energy supply chains. The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further develop them, especially in the fields of security, defence, and energy, in a manner that strengthens the partnership and opens new avenues for bilateral cooperation. Earlier on Thursday, PM Shehbaz shared with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts that led to the US- Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. During the meeting, two leaders held detailed discussions on the evolving regional situation, and the PM expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia in the wake of the recent regional escalation, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a press release.

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