ANTALYA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, calling for “regional solutions to regional challenges” during the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) in Türkiye.
On the sidelines of the high-profile summit, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar joined his counterparts from Riyadh, Ankara, and Cairo for the third consultative meeting of the four-nation bloc. According to the Foreign Office (FO), the ministers exchanged views on rapidly evolving regional dynamics and emphasized the vital role of “dialogue and diplomacy” in promoting shared prosperity.
Strengthening the Four-Nation Bloc
The consultative session focused on deepening coordination across key areas of mutual interest. Diplomatic sources suggest the discussions were centered on a “regional ownership” framework to address ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
“The Foreign Ministers expressed a shared commitment to advancing this partnership, deepening coordination, and expanding collaboration,” the FO statement read, noting that the group remains dedicated to fostering a climate of peace through structured engagement.
The Antalya meeting follows two previous sessions held earlier this year in Riyadh and Islamabad, signaling the emergence of a potent diplomatic bridge between South Asia and the Middle East.
High-Level Bilaterals
Parallel to the ministerial talks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held crucial bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
During the meeting with President Erdoğan, both leaders discussed the “enduring fraternal bonds” between Islamabad and Ankara. Sources familiar with the meeting said the discussions touched upon trade, defense cooperation, and the urgent need for a unified stance on regional conflicts, including the situation in Gaza and broader West Asian stability.
PM Shehbaz also engaged with the Qatari Amir, focusing on economic investment and energy cooperation.
As the Prime Minister concluded his visit to the coastal city, he took to social media to express his gratitude for the Turkish hospitality.
“As I depart the beautiful city of Antalya, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality,” the PM wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
As I depart the beautiful city of Antalya, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my dear brother Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the exceptionally warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation.
I leave Antalya, with fond memories and a renewed commitment…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 18, 2026
He added that he leaves with a “renewed commitment to further strengthening the enduring fraternal bonds between our two nations” and pledged to continue close cooperation to advance “lasting peace and stability in the region.”
The 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, themed *“Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,”* has brought together over 500 high-level officials from 150 countries, positioning itself as a central hub for navigating the complex geopolitical shifts of 2026.
