Prime Minister Sharif prepares to engage regional counterparts as shared aspirations for peace, connectivity, and economic revival redefine the contours of regional diplomacy
News Desk
KHANKENDI, AZERBAIJAN: On the sidelines of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit held in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with the heads of Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity in times of crisis.
Among the most significant exchanges was the meeting with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, who personally thanked Pakistan for its steadfast diplomatic support during Iran’s recent confrontation with Israel. Pezeshkian acknowledged Pakistan’s vocal stance on international forums in favor of Iran, calling it a mark of sincere regional brotherhood at a critical time.
The summit offered a timely platform for Prime Minister Sharif to engage with regional counterparts, with shared aspirations for peace, connectivity, and economic growth taking center stage. In his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on deepening cooperation across trade, defence, energy, regional connectivity, and investment.
Both sides reiterated their mutual commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership that has long defined Pakistan-Türkiye ties. Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to work closely with Türkiye in pursuit of shared goals: regional peace, lasting stability, and sustainable development. “Pakistan remains deeply committed to building a future rooted in cooperation, not conflict,” he said, underlining Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach at a time of shifting global alliances.
In separate interactions, Sharif also met with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, with discussions centering on expanding economic and logistical linkages among ECO states. These engagements reflected a broader regional effort to revitalize the organization’s original vision of economic integration among neighboring countries.
The 17th ECO summit, held against the backdrop of mounting geopolitical tensions in the region, served as both a forum for collaboration and a stage for solidarity. The tone of the Pakistani delegation was firm yet conciliatory—pushing for trade and connectivity, while standing beside partners in moments of political strain.
