DPM Dar reiterates Pakistan's support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to Syria's "sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity" during talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani on Thursday. The remarks followed an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase the previous day. Dar made the statements during high-level discussions with al-Shaibani, who arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Dar.

Both nations reaffirmed their "longstanding brotherly ties" and discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation, covering issues such as regional and international developments, including Palestine, the Golan Heights, Afghanistan, the situation in South Asia, and Middle East affairs. Additionally, al-Shaibani welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, praising Pakistan's role in regional peace and stability, especially in the US-Israeli confrontation with Iran.

The visit marks the first by a Syrian foreign minister since 2007 and is seen as a step towards strengthening ties between Pakistan and Syria following Syria's transition leadership. Pakistan had previously condemned the Israeli attack on the Syrian airbase, vowing to support Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.