Syrian foreign minister arrives in Islamabad on official visit

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani made an official visit to Islamabad on Thursday. The Foreign Office shared photos of his arrival on X, stating he was greeted by an additional secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visit comes as Syria's transitional leadership seeks to strengthen ties with regional and international partners after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The Foreign Office had previously announced that discussions would cover all aspects of bilateral relations, explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, and discuss regional and global events. The visit would mark the first by a Syrian foreign minister in Pakistan since Walid al-Mouallem's trip in May 2007 and since the change in Damascus' government.

Pakistan also condemned an "unprovoked" Israeli attack on a Syrian airbase on Wednesday, warning such actions could "further undermine regional peace and stability." A military source cited by Syria's state-run Ekhbariya television reported eight airstrikes on the runway and storage facilities at the Abu al-Duhur base near Aleppo, though there were no reported casualties. Pakistan reiterated its support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability.