Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani landed in Islamabad early Thursday morning for an official visit. Officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed him at the airport. The additional secretary for the Middle East received the distinguished guest on behalf of the government.
This visit marks an important moment for both countries. It is the first trip by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan since Walid al-Mouallem came in May 2007. More importantly, it is the first high-level visit from Damascus after the major political change in Syria in 2024. The new transitional leadership in Syria is now actively reaching out to regional and international partners, and Pakistan is one of the key stops on that path.
A day before the arrival, the Foreign Office announced that the two sides would hold detailed talks. Officials plan to discuss the full range of bilateral relations, explore fresh ways to increase cooperation, and share views on current regional and global issues. Both countries see this meeting as a strong step toward closer ties and practical partnership in the years ahead.
The timing of the visit also carries special meaning. Just one day earlier, Pakistan strongly condemned an unprovoked Israeli attack on a Syrian airbase. Israeli forces struck the Abu al-Duhur base near Aleppo with multiple airstrikes that damaged the runway and storage areas. According to Syrian sources, no casualties were reported. Pakistan called the action a clear violation of international law and warned that such moves could harm peace and stability in the region. The Foreign Office repeated Pakistan’s firm support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the well-being of the Syrian people.
During the meetings in Islamabad, the two foreign ministers are expected to talk about security, economic links, and people-to-people contacts. Pakistan has long maintained friendly relations with Syria and continues to stand with its people through changing times. The presence of the Syrian Foreign Minister in the capital signals a renewed chapter of engagement between the two nations.
Observers believe the discussions will help both sides identify concrete projects in trade, education, and diplomacy. The visit also shows that Syria’s new leadership is keen to rebuild international connections after years of isolation. For Pakistan, hosting the minister strengthens its role as a reliable partner in the Muslim world and the wider region.
As the talks unfold, both capitals hope the meetings will produce positive results that benefit the people of Pakistan and Syria for a long time to come.
