ISLAMABAD: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani arrived in Islamabad after 19 years on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Pakistan, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation amid heightened regional tensions.
The visit is being held at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Al-Shaibani was received by the Foreign Office’s Additional Secretary for the Middle East upon arrival and is accompanied by a high-level Syrian delegation.
Pakistan, Syria to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Developments
According to the Foreign Office, the two sides will hold in-depth discussions covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Syria bilateral relations and review avenues for further cooperation. Regional and international developments are also expected to form an important part of the discussions.
The visit provides an opportunity for Islamabad and Damascus to strengthen diplomatic engagement and identify areas for expanded cooperation.
Visit Gains Significance After Israeli Strike on Syrian Airbase
The timing of the visit carries particular significance as it comes one day after Pakistan condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Syria’s Idlib province.
Islamabad described the strikes as unprovoked and a violation of international law, while expressing support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and prosperity. The reported strikes damaged the airbase’s runway and storage facilities, with no casualties reported.
Islamabad Reaffirms Support for Syrian Sovereignty and Regional Stability
The Pakistan-Syria engagement therefore extends beyond bilateral relations, taking place against the backdrop of growing security tensions in the Middle East.
The talks are expected to provide an important diplomatic platform for discussing regional stability, respect for sovereignty.
