Pakistan, Syria discuss political ties, reconstruction and security

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Sharif highlighted the historic and deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Syria and stressed the need to translate bilateral relations into practical cooperation in political, defense, trade and investment sectors.

Key points

• Sharif additionally reiterated Pakistan's backing for Syria's position on the Golan Heights and invited Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
• Earlier, al-Shaibani held discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
• As well as developments in South Asia and the Middle East, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the discussions covered Palestine, the Golan Heights and the situation in Afghanistan.
• The Syrian foreign minister additionally expressed appreciation for Pakistan's efforts to assist reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.
• The Syrian foreign minister remarked Damascus backed Lebanon's stability and called on Iran not to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs.

For context, the prime minister remarked the restoration of direct flights between the two countries would strengthen people-to-people contacts and facilitate the substantial number of Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Syria.

Al-Shaibani conveyed President al-Sharaa's good wishes to Sharif and briefed him on Syria's political situation and reconstruction efforts.

In practice, the Syrian foreign minister thanked Pakistan for its continued backing for Syria over recent years and stated the Syrian administration was keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Earlier, al-Shaibani held discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Dar reiterated Pakistan's continued backing for Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Al-Shaibani welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and praised Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Notably, the Syrian foreign minister additionally expressed appreciation for Pakistan's efforts to assist reduce tensions between the United States and Iran.

Speaking at a news conference after the meetings, al-Shaibani remarked Syria was working on rebuilding the country and wanted to take its historic relationship with Pakistan to a new level.

He remarked both governments were interested in strengthening ties and opening new avenues for people-to-people contacts.

Al-Shaibani additionally condemned any terrorist attacks against Pakistan originating from Afghanistan and called on the Afghan administration to prevent terrorism.

He remarked his visit did not include an offer to mediate between Pakistan and Iran, but went on that Syria would have no objection if Pakistan played such a role going forward.

More read, Pakistan and Syria seek to deepen bilateral ties in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, the Syrian foreign minister remarked Damascus backed Lebanon's stability and called on Iran not to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan, Syria discuss political ties, reconstruction and security point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.