ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met on the sidelines of the COP31 climate summit in Türkiye on Wednesday to discuss the regional situation, Sharif’s office said, amid persisting tensions in the Middle East.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, following months of confrontation between the United States and Iran, which has fueled security concerns across the region.

In response to US attacks, Iran and its allied Houthi militia in Yemen have launched missile and drone attacks targeting regional countries and commercial shipping, raising fears of a wider conflict.

Pakistan, which has played the role of a key mediator in the US-Iran conflict, has urged all sides to resolve the issue through dialogue. Islamabad has repeatedly condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia and other regional countries.

“A meeting has commenced between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian,” Sharif’s office said on Wednesday.

“The meeting will focus on bilateral relations and the promotion of mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. The two leaders will also discuss the regional situation as well as matters concerning peace and stability in the region.”

Sharif joined world leaders at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Türkiye on Wednesday, where he is expected to call for stronger global action against climate change and greater international cooperation to help vulnerable countries confront increasingly destructive natural disasters.

The Pakistan prime minister met Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman and the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, according to Sharif’s office.

In his meeting with Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s full solidarity with the Palestinian people on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan. He also held meetings with the First Lady of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan; the President of Syria, Ahmad Al-Sharaa; and the President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga.

“During these meetings, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, the Prime Minister and the world leaders discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations and the regional situation,” Sharif’s office said.

“The discussions also touched upon the importance of highlighting— on a global platform— the challenges faced by countries most severely affected by the adverse impacts of climate change.”

The conference, taking place in Antalya from November 9-20, comes amid growing pressure on governments to turn climate commitments into concrete action and mobilize funding for countries struggling to adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather.

Pakistan has played an active role in international climate negotiations, including efforts that contributed to the establishment of a fund for climate-related loss and damage at COP27 in 2022.

Sharif is expected to highlight Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate solar energy adoption, expand renewable energy capacity and strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems as part of its transition toward a cleaner and more resilient economy.