ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for translating the longstanding Pakistan-Syria friendship into stronger bilateral cooperation, particularly in politics, defence, trade, investment, education and human resource development.
Prime Minister Sharif made the remarks during a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Syria, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the PM House’s media wing.
“The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and recalled his recent interactions with him,” it said,
PM Sharif also reaffirmed Islamabad’s steadfast support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria, adding that Pakistan would firmly support Syria’s position on the Golan Heights.
Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on 20 August 2026. pic.twitter.com/wV4TMRoDrW
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 20, 2026
While recalling the historic and multifaceted ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to translate the longstanding friendship into enhanced cooperation across politics, defence, trade, investment, education, and human resource development.
He stated that the resumption of direct flights between the two countries would enhance people-to-people exchanges and facilitate a large number of pilgrims who undertake religious visits to Syria.
ISLAMABAD: 20 August 2026.
Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today.
Welcoming Mr. Al-Shaibani and his delegation, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for President Ahmed… pic.twitter.com/1tubHQekfx
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 20, 2026
The Syrian Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the Prime Minister, and briefed him on Syria’s ongoing political transition and reconstruction efforts.
He thanked Islamabad for its consistent support to Damascus throughout the past years and expressed his government’s keen interest in revitalising bilateral engagement, including through early institutional mechanisms for cooperation.
The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to President Ahmed al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Islamabad at a mutually convenient date.
Pakistan reiterates support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity
Earlier, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
He said this during wide-ranging delegation-level talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in Islamabad, the Foreign Office said.
“The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and Syria and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest,” it said.
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held wide-ranging delegation-level talks with Syrian Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, welcoming his visit to Pakistan.
The two sides reaffirmed the longstanding brotherly ties… pic.twitter.com/AhQlqvA2t7
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 20, 2026
The ministers also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including the situation in Palestine, the Golan Heights, Afghanistan, South Asia and the broader Middle East.
The Syrian foreign minister welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability, including its efforts to support de-escalation in the US-Iran context.
Also Read: Pakistan Reiterates Support for Syria’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity
Ishaq Dar and Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani also reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Syrian FM arrives in Islamabad
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani Earlier Thursday arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit to Pakistan.
He is being accompanied by a high-level official delegation.
“Upon arrival, the distinguished guest was received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ additional secretary (Middle East),” it said.
H.E. Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, arrived in Islamabad today on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.
Upon arrival, the… pic.twitter.com/95YAJPUJ4r
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 19, 2026
The visit, taking place on August 19–20 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, comes as the two countries seek to deepen engagement across a broad range of areas, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The Foreign Office described the visit as an important step towards further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Islamabad and Damascus established diplomatic relations in 1948, while political and defence ties grew substantially during the 1960s and 1970s.
The relationship also extended beyond defence and politics. The two countries strengthened their cooperation in the field of education through exchanges between educational institutions and government officials.
