Antalya (GNP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a series of informal meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkiye, where he is representing Pakistan.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office media wing on Wednesday, he met Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.
He also met Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and conveyed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan. Mustafa thanked Pakistan for consistently raising its voice at international forums against atrocities committed against Palestinians and for backing their legitimate cause.
Other engagements included meetings with Turkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdogan, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
The meetings took place in a cordial atmosphere. Discussions centered on bilateral relations, regional developments and the need to raise international awareness of the challenges facing countries most vulnerable to climate change.
That concern shapes the prime minister’s main engagement at the summit. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he will address the gathering and urge the international community to take concrete measures against the growing threat of climate change.
Sharif is expected to highlight Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate solarization, expand renewable energy capacity and move toward a cleaner, more climate-resilient economy.
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He will also outline steps to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve early-warning systems so that climate-related disasters cause less damage.
On funding, the prime minister will stress the importance of predictable, adequate and accessible climate financing for developing countries. Such support, he is expected to say, would help them build resilience and pursue sustainable development. Climate financing remains a key concern for developing nations seeking resources to address the growing economic and environmental consequences of climate change.
According to the Foreign Office, his participation reflects Pakistan’s continued support for the international climate agenda and its commitment to working with the global community. The visit also gives Pakistan an opportunity to present its renewable energy initiatives, disaster preparedness measures and climate financing priorities before international leaders.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
