PM Shehbaz calls for enhanced Pakistan-Syria cooperation across multiple sectors

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the importance of giving fresh momentum to Pakistan-Syria relations by expanding cooperation in a range of areas, including political affairs, defence, commerce, investment, education and human resource development.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier made the remarks while receiving Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, who called on him during visit to Pakistan along with a delegation.

PM Shehbaz welcomed the Syrian foreign minister and his delegation and conveyed his good wishes to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

He also referred to his recent meetings and interactions with the Syrian leader and reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to protecting Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The prime minister said the restoration of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Syria would provide a major boost to contacts between the peoples of the two countries.

He noted that the resumption of flights would also make travel more convenient for the many Pakistani pilgrims who travel to Syria for religious visits.

Reiterating Islamabad’s position on Syria, PM Shehbaz assured the Syrian side that Pakistan would continue to support the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also made clear that Pakistan would firmly uphold Syria’s stance regarding the Golan Heights.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani conveyed President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s greetings to Prime Minister Shehbaz and updated him on developments surrounding Syria’s political transition and ongoing reconstruction efforts.

The Syrian FM thanked Pakistan for maintaining its support for Syria over the years and said Damascus was interested in rebuilding and strengthening its engagement with Islamabad.

He also called for the establishment of institutional arrangements at an early stage to provide a structured framework for expanding bilateral cooperation.

The prime minister also extended an invitation to President Ahmed al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.