Türkiye ,(Parliament Times):An aide to Donald Trump commended Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional stability during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, as diplomatic momentum continues to ease tensions between the United States and Iran.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where the premier met US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos. Boulos conveyed greetings from President Trump and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in fostering peace, while reaffirming Washington’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Islamabad in areas such as counterterrorism, economic growth, and global challenges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz returned the gesture by extending warm regards to Trump and recalling their previous interactions. He also praised the US president’s leadership, crediting it for facilitating ceasefires in both South Asia and Lebanon. Discussions also covered Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, including its role in hosting the Islamabad talks aimed at resolving the US-Iran conflict.
The premier highlighted the importance of enhancing Pakistan-US relations, particularly in trade, economic cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy.
Earlier, upon arriving in Antalya, PM Shehbaz met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who welcomed his participation in the forum and conveyed that President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an looked forward to meeting him. The prime minister expressed gratitude for Turkiye’s hospitality, describing the country as his “second home.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held multiple bilateral meetings on the forum’s sidelines. He met Elmedin Konakovic, where both sides reaffirmed strong historical ties and discussed regional developments.
Dar also met Khalilur Rahman to explore ways to enhance bilateral relations, and Tahsin Ertugruloglu, with discussions focusing on cooperation and welfare of the Pakistani diaspora. In another meeting, South Korea’s Vice Minister Jeong Yeondoo appreciated Pakistan’s sustained diplomatic efforts for peace.
The prime minister is attending the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where he will participate in a leaders’ panel titled “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” presenting Pakistan’s perspective on global challenges. He is also expected to meet President Erdo?an and other world leaders during the event.
The visit is part of a three-nation tour that included stops in Jeddah and Doha. In Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reaffirming strong bilateral ties, while in Qatar he held talks with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, focusing on regional peace and cooperation.
These engagements come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict, which began on February 28 following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran. The situation escalated into a wider regional confrontation, with Iran retaliating through missile and drone attacks and restricting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite extensive negotiations, including talks hosted in Islamabad, a final agreement has yet to be reached. However, continued dialogue and Pakistan’s mediation efforts are being viewed as key to de-escalating tensions in the region.