Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani Arrives in Pakistan for Landmark Visit to Boost Bilateral Ties

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani launched a high-profile visit to Pakistan on Thursday, marking the first official trip by a senior Syrian official to the country in nearly two decades. Mr Al Shibani's mission focuses on bolstering trade and defence cooperation under the current Syrian leadership.

Invited by Pakistani authorities, the Syrian Foreign Minister expressed optimism that the journey would prove historic for bilateral relations. On Thursday, Mr Al Shibani and his accompanying delegation held discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, with further meetings planned alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other high-ranking officials.

During their talks, Mr Dar—who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister—emphasized the enduring brotherly bonds connecting Pakistan and Syria, while exploring new avenues for mutual cooperation. According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the two leaders also conducted detailed reviews of broader regional developments. This diplomatic milestone represents the first senior Syrian visit since Walid Al Muallem travelled to the country in May 2007.

Demonstrating mutual goodwill, Syria's Foreign Ministry recently used Pakistan’s Independence Day to reiterate its dedication to expanding bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Pakistan issued an official condemnation of recent Israeli air strikes directed at the Abu Al Duhur airbase in Syria's Idlib province, noting that no casualties were reported. Islamabad labelled the incident a serious breach of international law that threatens regional stability, reaffirming its solidarity with the Syrian people and its backing of Syria's territorial integrity.