Tehran, May 26, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Iran on Monday for a two-day official visit, marking the second leg of his four-nation diplomatic tour aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and bolstering bilateral relations.
Upon landing at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, the Pakistani premier was received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, along with senior diplomatic officials. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by a contingent of the Iranian army.
Prime Minister Shehbaz is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi.
Following his arrival, the Prime Minister proceeded to Tehran’s historic Saadabad Palace, where he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two leaders are expected to hold wide-ranging talks covering economic, political, and strategic cooperation, along with key regional and global issues — including efforts for peace and security in South Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Pezeshkian are scheduled to address a joint press conference after the talks. The Pakistani leader will also call on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz is expected to express Pakistan’s appreciation for Iran’s support in promoting regional peace, particularly during the Indo-Pak conflict. A state dinner hosted by President Pezeshkian will conclude the day’s official engagements.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a two-day official visit to Türkiye, where he held a pivotal meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Istanbul’s historic Dolmabahce Palace.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the time-tested and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Türkiye. President Erdogan hosted a formal dinner in honour of the visiting delegation.
According to an official statement, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and resolved to elevate the strategic partnership to new heights. PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s unwavering support during recent regional developments, particularly its principled stance during the Pakistan-India standoff, which Pakistan claims resulted in a decisive victory.
President Erdogan posted a heartfelt message on social media platform X, stating:
“Today, I was very pleased to host the Prime Minister of Pakistan, my dear friend Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, and his esteemed delegation in Istanbul. We discussed many critical issues, especially economy, trade and security. We confirmed and strengthened our will to enhance the deep-rooted historical, human and political relations between Türkiye and Pakistan.”
Responding to the message, PM Shehbaz wrote:
“Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff which resulted in Pakistan’s overwhelming victory, Alhamdulillah! We reviewed our multifaceted bilateral engagements, particularly in trade and investment, and reaffirmed our resolve to strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood.”
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the leaders also discussed Pakistan’s military success in Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which President Erdogan hailed as a testament to the resilience of the Pakistani armed forces and nation.
The talks further explored cooperation in trade, tourism, renewable energy, IT, infrastructure, culture, and agriculture. PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of boosting bilateral investment and fostering long-term economic collaboration.
As part of the visit, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also held a key meeting with Turkish Defence Minister Yasir Guler, joined by Army Commander General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, to discuss matters of mutual military interest and deepen defence cooperation.
