Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Islamabad on August 20 to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
Key Discussions and Bilateral Cooperation
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani held talks in Islamabad on August 20, focusing on strengthening Pakistan-Syria bilateral relations. The two sides reaffirmed deep-rooted brotherly ties and discussed avenues to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Office. The meeting marked the first foreign minister-level engagement between the two countries in nearly two decades, as noted by multiple sources.
Al-Shaibani, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in Islamabad on August 19 and was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ additional secretary for Middle East Affairs. The Foreign Office described the talks as warm and constructive, with both parties pledging to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore ways to deepen cooperation. The visit included a tête-à-tête followed by delegation-level discussions, emphasizing regional and international developments.
DPM, Syrian FM discuss regional developments
The Foreign Office stated that the two sides held a warm and constructive restricted meeting,
where they reaffirmed the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Syria.
The discussions also covered advancing bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest
and regional developments.
The restricted meeting was followed by delegation-level talks, where the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Syria bilateral relations
and exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Regional Developments and Syria’s Context
The talks occurred amid heightened regional tensions, including Pakistan’s condemnation of an Israeli airstrike on an airbase in Syria. The Foreign Office stated that such actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and have the potential to further undermine regional peace and stability. Syria’s state-run Ekhbariya television reported the attack, though no casualties were confirmed, according to conflicting accounts.
Al-Shaibani’s visit also coincided with Syria’s transitional leadership seeking to rebuild regional and international ties after the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The Foreign Office highlighted the significance of the engagement, calling it an important step towards further enhancing Pakistan-Syria relations. The discussions underscored Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its peace and prosperity.
Syrian foreign minister, DPM Dar discuss expansion of bilateral
The visit marked the first official visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan since Walid al-Mouallem travelled to Pakistan in May 2007. It also followed a call between Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who discussed regional developments. The visit reflects Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach to Middle Eastern countries, particularly as Syria seeks to re-engage with the international community.
The Foreign Office emphasized that the talks would provide an opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Syria relations and advance cooperation between the two countries. This aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to bolster ties with regional partners, even as it navigates complex geopolitical dynamics involving regional security challenges.
Significance of the Visit
The meeting marked the first official visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan since Walid al-Mouallem travelled to Pakistan in May 2007. It also followed a call between Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who discussed regional developments. The visit reflects Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach to Middle Eastern countries, particularly as Syria seeks to re-engage with the international community.
Syrian FM in Islamabad to discuss bilateral ties, regional
The visit also included a restricted meeting
between Dar and Al-Shaibani, as described by the Foreign Office. The two sides reaffirmed deep-rooted brotherly ties
and discussed ways to further advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The delegation-level talks aimed to review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-Syria bilateral relations
and explore avenues for further strengthening cooperation.
Al-Shaibani’s visit was part of a two-day trip to Pakistan, which began on August 19. Upon arrival, he was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ additional secretary for Middle East Affairs. The Foreign Office shared pictures of the arrival on the social media platform X, stating, Upon arrival, the distinguished guest was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ additional secretary (Middle East).
The visit is the first by a Syrian foreign minister since the change of government in Damascus, as noted by the Foreign Office. It also marks the first foreign minister-level engagement between Pakistan and Syria in nearly two decades, according to sources. The discussions underscored Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its role in addressing regional challenges.
The next steps will depend on how Syria’s transitional government navigates its international engagements and how Pakistan balances its relationships with other regional actors. For now, the meeting underscores the importance of bilateral diplomacy in addressing shared challenges, even as the broader regional landscape remains volatile.
