Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP31 Leaders Summit. The two leaders reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye and expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, said a Prime Minister's Office news release. They held wide-ranging discussions on ways to further enhance cooperation, with particular focus on trade and investment, defence collaboration, energy cooperation and connectivity. Both leaders stressed the importance of expediting the implementation of ongoing initiatives and exploring new opportunities to deepen economic engagement. The prime minister and the president also exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and broader global developments. Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the ongoing efforts by regional countries, particularly members of the Makkah Accord, to promote de-escalation and dialogue. President Erdogan appreciated Pakistan's constructive role and mediation efforts, which led to the signing of the Islamabad MoU. The Prime Minister thanked the Turkish president for his steadfast support and close coordination throughout Pakistan's diplomatic effort. Both leaders underscored the importance of adherence by all parties to their commitments under the Islamabad MoU to ensure durable and lasting peace in the wider region. They also reaffirmed their support for each other on issues of core national interest, reflecting the enduring tradition of mutual trust and solidarity between the two countries. The leaders resolved to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye, building on fraternal ties and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.   COP31 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for grant-based climate financing, including public-private partnerships, and a significant increase in resilience and adaptation funds to help climate-vulnerable countries cope with the growing impacts of climate change. In his national statement at the Antalya Leaders Summit of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), he stressed that vulnerable nations need timely assistance and financial support that does not add to their debt burden. The prime minister said resilience and adaptation funds were essentially survival funds, particularly for struggling economies facing increasingly devastating climate disasters. Highlighting Pakistan's experience with climate-induced disasters, the prime minister recalled the devastating floods of 2022, when one-third of the country was submerged, affecting 33 million people, claiming more than 1,700 lives and causing economic losses exceeding $30 billion. Referring to the August 2025 flash floods in Buner, he shared the heartbreaking story of a young man who was just two days away from his wedding when floodwaters swept through his village, turning a home prepared for celebration into a house of mourning. He said the tragedy reflected the plight of millions across Pakistan and the developing world, who had contributed the least to climate change but were bearing its heaviest consequences. Recalling his warning at the United Nations four years ago that what happened in Pakistan would not remain confined to the country, the prime minister said the warning had unfortunately become a reality. "Climate change knows no borders. No nation can face it alone. Solidarity must mean action," he said. The prime minister expressed gratitude to Türkiye, particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, First Lady Emine Erdogan and the Turkish people, for their support to Pakistan during the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022. He also thanked Türkiye for hosting COP31 and acknowledged Australia's valuable role as President of Negotiations. Highlighting Pakistan's efforts towards clean energy, he said the country had added more than 20 gigawatts of distributed solar capacity in just two years, while clean sources now accounted for nearly 55 per cent of its energy mix. He also referred to Pakistan's progress in nuclear energy, saying that on his way to Antalya, he witnessed the dome placement of the Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant, which, once commissioned, will add 1,200 megawatts of clean, emission-free electricity. He said Pakistan was also advancing electric mobility and had set a target of reducing projected emissions by up to 50 per cent by 2035. Emphasising the importance of water security, the prime minister declared that water must never be weaponised and stressed that no country should be allowed to endanger the lives and livelihoods of downstream populations. He also called for water-sharing agreements to be honoured in letter and spirit. The prime minister urged world leaders to translate their commitments into meaningful action, saying the success of COP31 should be measured not by promises but by the families protected, resources delivered and sustained action taken to safeguard the planet.   Finland Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's desire to transform its longstanding and friendly relations with Finland into a forward-looking partnership, focusing on trade and investment, education, skills development, technology, climate resilience and people-to-people contacts. The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye. During the meeting, both leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the considerable potential for enhancing bilateral trade and welcomed the presence of Finnish companies, including Nokia, Wärtsilä, Metso and Vaisala, in Pakistan. He encouraged greater business-to-business engagement, technology transfer and investment in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean technologies and mining. The two leaders also exchanged views on climate change, disaster risk reduction and environmental cooperation. The prime minister expressed Pakistan's interest in benefiting from Finland's technical expertise in flood forecasting, water management, climate-resilient agriculture, glacier monitoring and early-warning systems. Emphasising the importance of dialogue, mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes, the leaders also discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve peaceful and lasting solutions to conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. President Alexander Stubb appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue and mediation between Iran and the United States. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining regular engagement and exploring practical opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. The prime minister also reiterated his invitation to President Stubb to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.   Iraq Pakistan and Iraq on Thursday reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq, rooted in shared faith, historical bonds and strong people-to-people contacts. In a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of the Republic of Iraq Nizar Mohammed Saeed Amidi, on sidelines of 31st COP31, the two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relations, and underscored the importance of sustained high-level exchanges and institutional engagement. On the occasion, the prime minister also extended an invitation to President Amidi to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time. He congratulated President Amidi and the brotherly people of Iraq on successful conduct of parliamentary elections and formation of the new Government. He reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and stability. The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation, with particular focus on trade, investment, manpower, reconstruction, agriculture, and defence. The prime minister appreciated Iraq's facilitation for Pakistani Zaireen. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment for close coordination at multilateral fora.   Sudan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding and brotherly ties and reiterated steadfast support for Sudan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The bilateral ties were discussed in a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz and President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of Sudan General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of COP31 here. During the meeting, the prime minister expressed solidarity with the brotherly people of Sudan amid the prevailing challenges. The two leaders had a productive exchange on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations in diverse areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on the challenge posed by climate change, and emphasised the importance of enhanced international cooperation to address its impact, particularly on developing countries. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination at multilateral fora.