PM Shehbaz Sharif begins four-country visit with departure to Türkiye
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Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has departed for Türkiye on the first leg of a four-nation tour. Accompanying him are Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi.
From May 25 to 30, the Prime Minister will visit Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.
During the tour, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold extensive discussions with the leadership of these countries on bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern. He will also express Pakistan's gratitude for the support extended by these friendly nations during the recent crisis with India.
On May 29–30, the Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the International Conference on Glaciers to be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
Turkey and Azerbaijan voiced support for Pakistan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express solidarity following India's missile strikes on Pakistani territory.
During the conversation, Erdoğan praised Pakistan's calm and measured response to the escalating tensions and endorsed Islamabad's call for an investigation into the April 22 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which left 26 people dead. Pakistan denied any involvement in the incident.
According to the Turkish presidency, Erdoğan described Pakistan's position as appropriate and assured that Turkey would continue diplomatic efforts to help prevent further escalation. Turkey had also condemned India's military action and warned it could lead to a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The government of Azerbaijan also expressed strong support for Pakistan. In an official letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Azerbaijan condemned India's recent military actions and voiced concern over the rising tensions.
The message was delivered by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, who conveyed his government's solidarity with Pakistan during the crisis. Azerbaijan extended condolences to the families of those affected and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Azerbaijani government also called for resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels and reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation and support for Pakistan.
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