Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday exchanged pleasantries with the world leaders in Turkmen capital Ashgabat attending the international forum in connection with the International Year of Peace and Trust 2025, the International Day of Neutrality, and the anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality.

On the sidelines of the event, the prime minister held informal interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The prime minister, who delivered an address at the forum earlier in the day, drew significant attention as leaders gathered in a room, engaging in an infromal discussions on issues of mutual interest.

A video clip released by the Prime Minister’s Office showed Prime Minister Shehbaz warmly holding hands with Russian President Putin and Kyrgyz President Japarov while engaging in separate conversations with them.

Earlier, he also joined the world leaders at the iconic Neutrality Monument here, where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony before addressing the forum where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of global disputes, while urging the international community to press the Afghan Taliban to honour their international obligations and curb terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil.