Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif arrived in Istanbul on Sunday for an official meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Upon his arrival, Sharif was welcomed at the airport by Türkiye’s Minister of National Defense.  

The two leaders are set to hold discussions at the Presidential Office in Istanbul’s historic Dolmabahçe Palace. Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated on social media platform X that the visit aims to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between Türkiye and Pakistan. The talks will also evaluate the progress of cooperation under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, a framework established between the two nations. The council last met during President Erdoğan’s visit to Islamabad in February.  

Altun further noted that the meeting will cover regional developments and pressing international issues, including counterterrorism efforts.  

Earlier, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that Sharif had embarked on a four-nation tour, including stops in Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Tajikistan. In a statement, the ministry said the prime minister would engage in wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of these countries, addressing bilateral relations as well as matters of regional and global significance.  

Sharif’s visit comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, which recently brought the two nuclear-armed neighbors close to a full-scale conflict before agreeing to a ceasefire. Türkiye, which maintains strong ties with both nations, has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to their disputes.  

Last week, President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s willingness to mediate between Pakistan and India if requested by both sides. "If the parties seek our assistance, we are ready to play our role. We desire peace and stability, and we do not want tensions to escalate between these neighboring countries," Erdoğan told reporters on May 17.  

The meeting between Sharif and Erdoğan is expected to further strengthen diplomatic and strategic ties between Pakistan and Türkiye while addressing critical regional and international challenges.