Did Pak PM Sharif Really 'Gatecrash' the Putin-Erdogan Meeting?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sharif's actions have drawn attention on social media.
- 40-minute wait before entering the meeting.
- Highlights pressure on leaders in diplomatic settings.
- Putin's recent successful visit to India adds context.
- International forums can become platforms for unexpected moments.
Ashgabat, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, faced significant online backlash on Friday when videos emerged of him allegedly 'gatecrashing' a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's capital.
According to the Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti, after the official delegations had exited, Putin and Erdogan continued their discussions in a private setting.
As the reports indicate, Sharif had anticipated negotiating with Putin in a separate room. However, he eventually joined the ongoing meeting between the two leaders.
Social media platforms were flooded with videos showing a visibly impatient Sharif waiting for Putin at an international forum commemorating the International Year of Peace and Trust, International Neutrality Day, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality.
Sources reported that the Pakistani Prime Minister, accompanied by his delegation, including Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, waited for over 40 minutes before deciding to enter the meeting between Putin and Erdogan taking place in another room of the Congress Centre.
RT India shared a video on X, noting, “PM Sharif waited for over 40 minutes for President Putin before growing tired and gate-crashing Russian leader's meeting with Erdogan. He left ten minutes later.”
Last week, Putin concluded a successful State Visit to India, further solidifying the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the warm welcome, highlighting the close working relationship and ongoing monitoring of Russian-Indian cooperation.