Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Qatar as part of his official visit ahead of 2nd round of US-Iran talks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz meet the country’s leadership and discuss Pakistan’s ongoing peace efforts, on the second leg of his tri-nation tour.
As the prime minister landed at Doha airport along with a high-level delegation, he was warmly received by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi.
A smartly turned-out contingent of the Qatari armed forces presented a salute to the prime minister and his delegation. The Doha airport and the city were decorated with Pakistani flags marking the warmth of brotherly relations between the two countries.
The prime minister will hold bilateral talks with the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and exchange views on Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for peace in the region and the world.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson for International Media Musharraf Zaidi are accompanying the prime minister.
Prime Minister Shehbaz arrived here from Jeddah, where he met Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During the meeting, the prime minister expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia amid recent regional escalation and appreciated the country’s “exemplary” patience and restraint, stating that Saudi leadership in the current crisis was a “source of strength” for all peace-loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.
PM Shehbaz discusses ‘evolving regional situation’ with Qatari Amir
PM Shehbaz said on X that “I had a most warm and cordial meeting with my dear brother, Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha today.”
He stated: “We discussed the evolving regional situation, particularly in the Gulf region, and underscored the importance of de-escalation, dialogue, and close international coordination to ensure peace and stability.
“I reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of attacks targeting Qatar and other regional countries, and conveyed our full solidarity with the brotherly people of Qatar,” the premier added.
The prime minister said he thanked Sheikh Tamim on behalf of the people of Pakistan for the “exceptionally warm and generous gesture of sending Qatar’s fighter jets to escort our aircraft as it entered Qatari airspace”.
“I am truly touched by this gesture, which also embodies the spirit of Qatar’s renowned hospitality and the strength of our enduring ties,” he added.
Qatari fighter jets welcome PM Shehbaz in their airspace
During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar, the Prime Minister received a splendid welcome.
As soon as they entered Qatari airspace, fighter jets of the Qatari Air Force escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft in a protective cordon all the way to the airport.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Qatari leadership and pilots for this splendid welcome.
The Prime Minister will also visit Türkiye to participate in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
During the Forum, the Prime Minister will participate in the Leaders’ Panel, alongside other world leaders, to present Pakistan’s perspective at the Forum.
On the sidelines of the Forum, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other key world leaders.
Pakistan’s participation in the Forum reflects its continued commitment to constructive diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and meaningful engagement with the international community on issues of global importance.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, as well as other senior officials.
Earlier, in an interview with the New York Post, Trump said the next round of Iran-US talks is also likely to be held in Pakistan.
“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump said to the journalist, reports say.
He also praised the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying that he is doing excellent work.
“He’s fantastic, and therefore it’s more likely that we go back there,” Trump further stated.
According to a report by the American newspaper Washington Post, US President Trump has said that the next round of talks with Iran could be held in Pakistan.
In a statement, the US President said that the next round of US-Iran talks could be held in 2 days, according to the reports.
His statement comes at a time when there is widespread speculation that President Trump will visit Pakistan soon. However, nothing has been confirmed officially yet.
