DPM Dar, Syrian FM discuss bilateral ties, regional developments

Islamabad (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met his Syrian counterpart Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Islamabad on Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO), the two sides reiterated their longstanding bonds of friendship and discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Syria.

In a post on X, the FO stated, "FM Dar received Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs".

"The two foreign ministers held a warm and constructive restricted meeting and discussed ways to further advance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, " the FO said.

The talks also covered the evolving situation in the region, with the FO noting that the ministers held “in-depth discussions on regional developments”.

The FO described Al-Shaibani’s trip as a significant diplomatic engagement, saying it was the “first foreign minister-level visit between Pakistan and Syria in nearly two decades”.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a warm and constructive restricted meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Islamabad.

The two sides reaffirmed the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/lhYoDvQZbw

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 20, 2026

As part of the scheduled programme, Dar and Al-Shaibani were due to meet separately before leading their respective delegations in formal discussions.

The meetings were expected to cover the “entire spectrum of Pakistan-Syria bilateral relations” and examine possible avenues for expanding cooperation between the two countries, according to the FO.

Earlier on Thursday, the Syrian foreign minister arrived in Islamabad for a two-day official visit to Pakistan.

His arrival marked the beginning of the high-level diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.

The Syrian FM was received at the capital’s airport by the FO Additional secretary for the Middle East. 
Al-Shaibani arrived with a senior-level delegation and is undertaking the visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the FO said.

H.E. Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, arrived in Islamabad today on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

Upon arrival, the… pic.twitter.com/95YAJPUJ4r

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 19, 2026