Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Sharif Gate-Crashes Putin-Erdogan Meeting
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was very impatient.
He had to wait for 40 minutes to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
So, he decided to join a meeting between Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan without waiting anymore.
This made many people laugh and talk about it on social media.
The event was in Turkmenistan, a country known for its natural gas.
Turkmenistan was celebrating 30 years of being neutral in world politics.
The country is trying to make friends with other countries and change its economy.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gate-crashed a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after waiting for 40 minutes.
The event was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, to mark the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's declaration of neutrality.
Sharif entered the closed-door session between Putin and Erdogan for a quick interaction and left after 10 minutes.
The incident drew ridicule online, with social media users framing it as a diplomatic embarrassment.
Turkmenistan, with the world's fourth-largest natural gas reserves, aims to join the World Trade Organisation and diversify its economy away from gas exports.
- Who
- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
- What
- Sharif gate-crashed a meeting between Putin and Erdogan after waiting for 40 minutes
- When
- December 12, 2025
- Where
- Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
- Why
- To have a quick interaction after being delayed for his scheduled meeting with Putin
Pakistan's Perspective
International Reaction
Diplomatic Protocol
Pakistan's Perspective
Sharif's actions were a necessary response to being kept waiting for an extended period.
International Reaction
Sharif's actions were seen as a breach of diplomatic protocol and an embarrassment.
- Event
- 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality declaration
- Location
- Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
- Key Attendees
- Vladimir Putin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Shehbaz Sharif, Masoud Pezeshkian
- Waiting Time
- 40 minutes
- Interaction Duration
- 10 minutes
- Turkmenistan's Neutrality Declaration Year
- 1995
- Turkmenistan's Natural Gas Reserves
- 4th largest in the world
Sources
Turkmenistan president hints at reforms as Putin, Erdogan and others visit
After 40-Minute Wait, Pakistan PM Gate-Crashes Putin's Closed-Door Meeting
Pakistan PM Sharif Gate-Crashes Putin–Erdogan Meeting After Waiting For 40 Minutes | Watch
Pakistan PM At His ‘Awkward Best’ - Gatecrashes Putin-Erdogan Meeting After 40 Minute Snub - Watch
Putin’s Subtle Wink At Reporter After Talks With Turkey’s Erdogan | Watch
Pak PM Sharif gatecrashes Putin-Erdogan meeting after 40 min wait for Russian President | Video
Watch: Shehbaz Sharif waits for 40 minutes to meet Putin, gate-crashes meeting with Erdogan
