ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity during a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani.
The Syrian foreign minister, who is visiting Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his delegation. The prime minister warmly welcomed the visiting minister and conveyed his best wishes to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz recalled his recent interactions with the Syrian leadership and reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Highlighting the historic and deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Syria, the prime minister said the two countries should translate their longstanding friendship into practical cooperation in areas including politics, defence, trade, investment, education and human resource development.
He also stressed the importance of restoring direct flights between Pakistan and Syria, saying that improved air connectivity would strengthen people-to-people contacts and facilitate the large number of Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Syria.
The prime minister further reiterated Pakistan’s strong support for Syria’s position on the Golan Heights, saying Islamabad would continue to stand by Syria on the issue.
Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani conveyed President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s best wishes to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He briefed the prime minister on the political situation in Syria and ongoing efforts toward the country’s reconstruction.
The Syrian foreign minister thanked Pakistan for its continued support for Syria over the years and expressed his government’s keen interest in further strengthening bilateral relations.
He also expressed the desire to establish formal institutional mechanisms at the earliest to expand cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to President Ahmed al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.
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