PM Shehbaz pushes for diplomacy to resolve disputes at Ashgabat forum
Calls on global community to urge Kabul to rein in terror, reaffirms support for Gaza, Kashmiri self-determination
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized the need for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy while addressing the international forum marking the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.
“Peaceful resolution of disputes is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy,” the Prime Minister said. Referring to the Middle East, he added, “Pakistan supports the Gaza peace plan and its subsequent endorsement by the UN Security Council. We hope ongoing efforts will ensure a permanent ceasefire, allow the flow of critical humanitarian aid, and help in the reconstruction of Gaza.”
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, along with global leaders in Ashgabat, visited the Monument of Neutrality.
On the occasion, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Uzbekistan’s President.
Later, the Prime Minister is scheduled to take part in the International Forum. The forum, attended by high-level representatives from around the world, aims to promote global peace, stability and cooperation through dialogue and shared initiatives.
President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has played a central role in hosting the event, reflecting Turkmenistan’s diplomatic efforts as declared by the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust at the initiative of Ashgabat.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met Serdar Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and discussed matters of mutual interest.
During their warm and cordial meeting, the prime minister congratulated the Turkmen president on the 30th anniversary of Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan and on the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to enhance connectivity with Turkmenistan through land and sea routes and said that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally located to be utilised by the Turkmen side to enhance their outreach to South Asia and beyond.
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The prime minister arrived in Ashgabat, on a two-day official visit to Turkmenistan to participate in the International Forum dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust (2025), International Day of Neutrality and the 30th anniversary of the Permanent Neutrality of Turkmenistan from 11-12 December 2025.
He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other members of the cabinet and senior government officials.
Source: The Express Tribune