Pakistan PM Sharif's Attempt to Meet Putin Ends in Brief Encounter with Erdogan
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently found himself in an awkward situation during a diplomatic visit to Turkmenistan. According to reports, Sharif waited over 40 minutes to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Peace and Trust Forum. Growing impatient, he entered a closed-door meeting between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The incident was initially reported by RT India, which later deleted the post, citing potential misrepresentation. This event highlights Sharif's ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan's ties with Russia, despite Putin's closer diplomatic relations with India. During a previous meeting in China, Sharif expressed gratitude to Putin for supporting Pakistan and emphasized the importance of balanced regional relations. The incident occurs amid U.S. criticism, under President Trump, of India and China's continued purchase of Russian oil. 
