DOHA/ANTALYA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the key mediator in the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, met Qatar’s ruler on Thursday during a push by Islamabad for a second round of peace talks between Washington and Tehran.
Shehbaz Sharif’s office said the premier had discussed with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani “the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East”.
The Qatari ruler praised Pakistan’s role and, according to the Pakistani statement, the pair also voiced support for “de-escalation efforts and enhancing international coordination to ensure the security and stability of the region, particularly ensuring the maintenance of smooth flow of energy supply chains”. The Pakistani premier was later due in Turkey, the last stop in a four-day tour which comes on the heels of high-level talks between US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad last weekend.
READ MORE: Pakistan, Qatar urge coordinated efforts for regional stability, energy security
The tiny Gulf state, which shares the massive South Pars gas field with Iran, is one of the leading producers of LNG along with the US, Australia and Russia. Qatar is a key supplier to Asian nations including Pakistan.—AFP
NNI adds: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a warm and cordial meeting with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar.
During their meeting held at the Amiri Diwan that lasted over an hour, both leaders discussed the latest regional and international developments, particularly in the Middle East.
The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to further develop them, especially in the fields of security, defence, and energy, in a manner that strengthens the partnership and opens new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Thursday paid a courtesy call on Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who arrived in Antalya, Turkiye, earlier this evening. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar and SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi were also present.
During their cordial conversation, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and thanked him for his participation in the upcoming Antalya Diplomacy Forum. He said President Recep Tayyip Erdoan was looking forward to his meeting with the Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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