Meetings with Russia, Turkiye, Iran and Central Asian states signal deeper cooperation
What Happened?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly had to wait 40 minutes before a scheduled meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ashgabat. Sources indicate that after waiting and growing increasingly impatient, the Prime Minister decided to “gatecrash” the session, making an unplanned entrance that surprised the attending leaders.
Where Did This Take Place?
The incident occurred in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where Pakistan’s Prime Minister was attending a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and connectivity.
Who Was Involved?
The meeting involved the Presidents of Turkey and Russia. PM Shehbaz, apparently unwilling to wait any longer, entered the summit unexpectedly, becoming the center of attention and causing a mix of amusement and awkwardness among officials.
Why Did It Happen?
Officials suggest the PM had been waiting for over 40 minutes for the meeting to begin, during which protocols or scheduling delays kept him idle. Frustrated and eager to push Pakistan’s agenda, he reportedly walked in to ensure his presence was felt and the discussion moved forward.
How Did the Leaders React?
While official reactions remain diplomatic, sources indicate a mixture of mild surprise and suppressed smiles among the leaders as Pakistan’s Prime Minister entered without prior announcement. The meeting resumed, with PM Shehbaz using the opportunity to press issues like regional trade, energy cooperation, and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul rail network.
What Does This Mean?
Whether interpreted as impatience or determination, the episode underscores the PM’s hands-on approach to diplomacy, though in an unusually dramatic style. Regional cooperation talks continued after the unexpected entrance, but the story quickly became the highlight of the summit, leaving social media buzzing about the PM’s bold (and slightly unorthodox) move.