Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani is due to visit Pakistan today. The Foreign Office confirmed his visit on Wednesday.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar invited Shaibani for the August 19-20 visit. A high-level Syrian delegation will accompany the foreign minister during his Pakistan trip.
The two sides will discuss bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation. They will also exchange views on regional and international developments.
Visit Marks New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
The Foreign Office described the visit as an important step for Pakistan-Syria relations. It will also strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Shaibani’s visit marks the first Syrian foreign minister visit since 2007. Former Syrian foreign minister Walid al-Mouallem visited Pakistan in May 2007.
It also represents the first such visit since the political transition in Damascus. Syria’s transitional leadership has increased regional and international engagement since Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow.
Pakistan Condemns Israeli Attack in Syria
Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemned an Israeli attack on a Syrian airbase. The Foreign Office called the attack unprovoked and deeply concerning.
Syria’s state-run Ekhbariya reported eight Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase. The strikes reportedly targeted the runway and storage facilities near Aleppo.
Military sources and a nearby civilian reported no casualties from the attack. However, Pakistan warned that such actions could further damage regional peace.
The Foreign Office called the strikes a flagrant violation of international law. Pakistan also reaffirmed solidarity with the Syrian people.
Furthermore, Islamabad reiterated support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also expressed support for Syria’s peace, stability, and prosperity.
