ISLAMABAD: Prime Mi­­nister Shehbaz Sharif met with leaders from Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan on Friday, hol­ding a series of bilateral discussions on the sideli­nes of the 17th Economic Cooperation Organisation Summit focused on regio­nal peace, security and economic partnership.

In his meeting with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, PM Shehbaz vowed to work closely with Iran for peace in the region.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two discussed the regional situation following what was termed “Israel’s illegitimate aggression against Iran.”

PM Shehbaz praised Iran’s decision to reach a ceasefire during the crisis and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Iran.”

President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz for Pakistan’s diplomatic support and its role in de-escalating the conflict.

The prime minister’s me­­eting with Turkish Presi­dent Recep Tayyip Erdo­gan saw the two leaders conduct a wide-ranging review of bilateral ties.

Both leaders emphasis­­ed deepening cooperation in trade, defence, energy and investment and agreed to exchange high-level delegations to finalise recent understandings.

Talks with Uzbek Presi­dent Shavkat Mirziyoyev focused on connectivity projects, particularly the Trans-Afghan Railway Project.

Both sides agreed on visits by senior ministers to finalise necessary agre­ements on the subject, un­­derscoring the “cultural, civilisational and historical ties” between the two nations as a foundation for a robust partnership.

The prime minister also met with the summit’s host, Azerbaijan’s Presid­ent Ilham Aliyev.

PM Shehbaz thanked Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s “steadfast support” during Pakistan’s recent conflict with India, noting that Islamabad had likewise stood by Baku in difficult times.

The two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2025