
PM Shehbaz discusses trade, regional peace with Presidents of Turkiye, Iran, Uzbekistan
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of Pakistan-Türkiye relations and exchanged views on key regional developments.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, regional connectivity, and investment.
PM arrives in Azerbaijan to attend ECO summit
The two leaders agreed to accelerate high-level exchanges between the two countries to ensure timely implementation of mutual understandings.
PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's unwavering resolve to work closely with Türkiye in advancing shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
The meeting underscored the growing strategic partnership between Islamabad and Ankara amid evolving regional and global dynamics.
The premier is on a two-day official visit to Azerbaijan to attend the 17th ECO summit in Khankendi. On the sidelines, he also held separate meetings meetings with Iranian President Masood Pezeshkian and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In his meeting with the Iranian president, PM Shehbaz appreciated President Pezeshkian's leadership and lauded Iran's decision to reach a ceasefire during the recent crisis.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Iran and Pakistan's strong commitment to continue working closely with Iran for peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.
President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's strong diplomatic support to Iran, including at the international forums, during the crisis and thanked him for Pakistan's vital role in de-escalating the conflict.
During the meeting with Uzbek president, both leaders expressed their satisfaction on the strong ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
The two sides underscored the cultural, civilizational and historical ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan which provide a solid foundation for robust partnership in multiple domains.
The two leaders agreed to enhance collaboration in diverse fields including trade and investment, connectivity, energy, regional security, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
During the meeting, the leaders emphasized the importance of regional integration and connectivity projects, particularly Trans-Afghan Railway Project.
To this end, the two leaders agreed on visits of their senior Ministers to Tashkent and Islamabad to finalise necessary agreements on these subjects.
Both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and diversify the longstanding brotherly cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders also shared perspectives on regional and global issues of common concern.
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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
India can't turn off the tap, warns PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) member states to deepen collaboration in response to the pressing regional and global challenges, particularly climate change and geopolitical instability. Addressing the 17th ECO summit, the prime minister underscored the urgent need for collective action as ECO member states struggle with the severe consequences of climate change, from melting glaciers and desertification to extreme weather events and declining agricultural productivity. "These challenges threaten the food security and livelihoods of millions. Pakistan remains among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change," he said, recalling the catastrophic 2022 floods that displaced over 33 million people in Pakistan. The prime minister also drew attention to what he called the "weaponization of water" by India, referencing New Delhi's violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and the recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. "This violation is completely unacceptable. Indus waters are a lifeline for Pakistan's 240 million people. India's actions amount to aggression." He categorically said that under no circumstances, India could not be allowed to pursue this dangerous path that will amount to an act of aggression against people of Pakistan. Just last week, he said several lives were tragically lost in the affected districts of Pakistan. "Pakistan on its part has undertaken a series of climate related policy initiatives and is aggressively pursuing of 4F plans focusing on resilience, recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction," he added. The prime minister said in this regard Pakistan proposed the development of low emissions corridors and regional disaster resilience system. "A dedicated framework to mobilize climate finance along with regional clean energy corridors and eco-tourism initiatives can further drive inclusive sustainable growth creating green jobs, especially for youth and women and supporting livelihoods," he said. Condemning the Israel's recent strike on Iran, the prime minister called it "unlawful, unjustified and uncalled for," and expressed deep condolences to the Iranian people. "Pakistan strongly condemns this act of Israeli aggression We pray for a speedy recovery of our injured brothers and sisters in Iran." Furthermore, he said the unprovoked and reckless Indian hostility directed towards Pakistan after an unfortunate incident in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) was yet another attempt to destabilize regional peace. "The world witnessed the steadfast resolve of our valiant armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir," the prime minister said. He also appreciated the support and solidarity extended to Pakistan by the brotherly ECO members states in the aftermath of Indian aggression earlier this year. He strongly condemned the Israel's barbarism in Gaza saying, "Pakistan stands firmly against those who perpetrated barbaric act against innocent people anywhere in the world whether in Gaza or IIOJK or Iran". On the economic front, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need to operationalize long-pending agreements under ECO Vision 2025, especially the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) and transport corridors, connecting member states. He referenced ECO's origins as the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD), a partnership between Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1960s, as a historic blueprint for present-day integration. "Promotion of trade and investment is key to achieving common goals of regional connectivity, energy security, and economic growth." The prime minister thanked ECO member states for designating Lahore as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2027, inviting all delegates to experience Pakistan's rich cultural heritage. "Lahore, the cultural heart of Pakistan, will enthrall all who visit us. We extend a warm invitation to all member states." Turkish President Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi and discussed matters of mutual interest. The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional developments. The two leaders reiterated their resolve and commitment to bringing about a meaningful progress in relations between the two countries, in all important sectors. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in trade, defense, energy, connectivity, and investment sectors. To this end, the two countries agreed to exchange high level delegations so as to ensure early finalization of the understandings reached between the two leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to working closely with Turkiye in advancing their shared goals of peace, stability, and sustainable development throughout the region. Iran president Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian wherein he reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Iran. During the meeting held on the sidelines of 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi city of Azerbaijan, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to continue working closely with Iran for peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. During the meeting, both leaders reviewed the ongoing bilateral cooperation across all areas and expressed satisfaction over the progress made on decisions taken during their last meeting for further strengthening of Pakistan-Iran relations. The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation in the wake of the Israel's illegitimate aggression against Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated President Pezeshkian's leadership and lauded Iran's decision to reach a ceasefire during recent crisis. President Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan's strong diplomatic support to Iran, including at the international forums, during the crisis and thanked him for Pakistan's vital role in de-escalating the conflict. The prime minister requested the Iranian President to convey his warm greetings and good wishes to Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei. Azerbaijan president Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to enhance their cooperation in the fields of trade and investment while expressing satisfaction over the progress made regarding the investment prospects. Both leaders reiterated their resolve to strengthen the economic partnership, especially Azerbaijan's investment in Pakistan. The prime minister is visiting Azerbaijan to lead Pakistan's delegation in the 17th ECO Summit in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, held on 3-4 July, 2025. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a productive bilateral meeting with the President of Azerbaijan where he congratulated him for hosting the 17th ECO Summit in an exemplary manner. The prime minister also conveyed his gratitude to President Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his recent visit to Lachin, Azerbaijan, from May 27-29, 2025. The prime minister thanked President Ilham on Azerbaijan's steadfast support extended to Pakistan during the recent conflict with India. He stated that Pakistan had also extended consistent support to Azerbaijan in challenging times. The prime minister reaffirmed that the recent interactions between the leadership of both countries had helped in making the relationship ever stronger. He also reiterated his invitation to President Ilham to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience.


Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
IAEA pulls inspectors from Iran
The UN nuclear watchdog said on Friday it had pulled its last remaining inspectors from Iran as a standoff over their return to the country's nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel deepens. Israel launched its first military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites in a 12-day war with the Islamic Republic three weeks ago. The International Atomic Energy Agency's inspectors have not been able to inspect Iran's facilities since then, even though IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said that is his top priority. Iran's parliament has now passed a law to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its nuclear facilities can be guaranteed. While the IAEA says Iran has not yet formally informed it of any suspension, it is unclear when the agency's inspectors will be able to return to Iran. "An IAEA team of inspectors today safely departed from Iran to return to the Agency headquarters in Vienna, after staying in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict," the IAEA said on X. Diplomats said the number of IAEA inspectors in Iran was reduced to a handful after the June 13 start of the war. Some have also expressed concern about the inspectors' safety since the end of the conflict, given fierce criticism of the agency by Iranian officials and Iranian media. Iran has accused the agency of effectively paving the way for the bombings by issuing a damning report on May 31 that led to a resolution by the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said he stands by the report. He has denied it provided diplomatic cover for military action. IAEA wants talks Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday Iran remained committed to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "(Grossi) reiterated the crucial importance of the IAEA discussing with Iran modalities for resuming its indispensable monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible," the IAEA said. The US and Israeli military strikes either destroyed or badly damaged Iran's three uranium enrichment sites. But it was less clear what has happened to much of Iran's nine tonnes of enriched uranium, especially the more than 400 kg enriched to up to 60% purity, a short step from weapons grade. That is enough, if enriched further, for nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick. Iran says its aims are entirely peaceful but Western powers say there is no civil justification for enriching to such a high level, and the IAEA says no country has done so without developing the atom bomb. As a party to the NPT, Iran must account for its enriched uranium, which normally is closely monitored by the IAEA, the body that enforces the NPT and verifies countries' declarations. But the bombing of Iran's facilities has now muddied the waters. "We cannot afford that .... the inspection regime is interrupted," Grossi told a press conference in Vienna last week.


Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Azerbaijan to invest $2bn in economic sector
SHUSHA, (Azerbaijan): Pakistan and Azerbaijan in a major development Friday signed a partnership agreement of $ two billion investment in Pakistan. The agreement was reflective of the continuing flow of investment in Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. In the presence of the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov signed the agreement for investment of a total of $ two billion by Azerbaijan in the economic sector of Pakistan. The Pakistani delegation was also present on this occasion. PM Shehbaz urges regional unity, highlights India's 'weaponisation of water' at ECO summit The agreement was signed between the two countries after a cordial meeting between the Prime Minister and the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Khankandi. While the final and detailed agreement will be signed during the Azerbaijani President's visit to Pakistan. The agreement has taken investment and trade relations between the two countries to a historic level. This agreement will prove to be a milestone for further promotion of brotherly relations between the two countries and for strengthening of trade partnership. Prior to the recent visit of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pakistani diplomatic mission and delegations reached consensus on different aspects of this agreement. Both countries also agreed on further exchanges to promote cooperation in various sectors. While talking to media in Shusha, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told that Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed investment agreement of $ two billion, adding in future the investment will be increased manifold. 'We are thankful to President of Azerbaijan for investment in Pakistan,' he remarked. He said he had a productive and useful meeting with the President of Azerbaijan. The prime minister said the member countries at the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) summit agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, water resources and different other fields. The member countries also agreed to increase cooperation on issue of melting of glaciers, he added.