Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Turkiye on Sunday afternoon as he embarked on the first leg of his four-nation tour aimed at strengthening ties with friendly countries. The premier will visit Turkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan from May 25-30, according to the Foreign Office. The tour follows diplomatic support voiced by three of these countries for Pakistan during the recent military confrontation with India.
The prime minister is accompanied by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz will engage in "wide-ranging discussions with the leaders of these countries on an entire range of issues covering bilateral relations and matters of regional and international importance." The premier will also express appreciation for support extended during the recent crisis with India.
While in Tajikistan, the premier will attend the International Conference on Glaciers in Dushanbe on May 29-30. As tensions escalated between Islamabad and New Delhi following Indian strikes on May 6, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan conveyed solidarity and supported Pakistan's "calm and restrained policies." Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev congratulated PM Shehbaz on Pakistan's success, and Iran offered mediation efforts.
The diplomatic support from Turkiye and Azerbaijan provoked Indian backlash, including cancelled holidays and boycotts of Turkish products.