ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in Islamabad on Thursday, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif highlighted the historic and deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Syria and stressed the need to translate bilateral relations into practical cooperation in political, defense, trade and investment sectors.
The prime minister said the restoration of direct flights between the two countries would strengthen people-to-people contacts and facilitate the large number of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Syria.
Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s position on the Golan Heights and invited Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
Al-Shaibani conveyed President al-Sharaa’s good wishes to Sharif and briefed him on Syria’s political situation and reconstruction efforts.
The Syrian foreign minister thanked Pakistan for its continued support for Syria in recent years and said the Syrian government was keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan.
Earlier, al-Shaibani held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the talks covered Palestine, the Golan Heights and the situation in Afghanistan, as well as developments in South Asia and the Middle East.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Al-Shaibani welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The Syrian foreign minister also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to help reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.
Speaking at a news conference after the meetings, al-Shaibani said Syria was working on rebuilding the country and wanted to take its historic relationship with Pakistan to a new level.
He said both governments were interested in strengthening ties and opening new avenues for people-to-people contacts.
Al-Shaibani also condemned any terrorist attacks against Pakistan originating from Afghanistan and called on the Afghan government to prevent terrorism.
He said his visit did not include an offer to mediate between Pakistan and Iran, but added that Syria would have no objection if Pakistan played such a role in the future.
More read, Pakistan and Syria seek to deepen bilateral ties in Islamabad
The Syrian foreign minister said Damascus supported Lebanon’s stability and called on Iran not to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
