Pakistan and Syria pledge deeper cooperation in trade and diplomacy

Pakistan and Syria are moving to revitalize bilateral relations following a high-level visit to Islamabad by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. This marks the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in 19 years.

During meetings with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, education, and human resource development. Key economic sectors identified for joint cooperation include textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, sports goods, information technology, and agriculture. Both nations also discussed the potential resumption of direct flights to facilitate religious pilgrimages and people-to-people exchanges.

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, specifically backing Syria’s position regarding the Golan Heights. Al-Shaibani briefed Pakistani officials on Syria’s ongoing political transition and reconstruction efforts.

In a separate diplomatic development, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed regional stability via telephone. Dar accepted an invitation to attend a regional four-minister meeting in Istanbul, which is expected to include foreign ministers from Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.