Syrian foreign minister arrives in Islamabad on official visit

On Thursday morning, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani touched down in Islamabad for an official visit. The Foreign Office shared images of the guest's arrival on social media platform X, stating that he was greeted by an additional secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This visit occurs as Syria seeks to bolster its relations with both regional and international entities following the removal of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The previous day, the Foreign Office had announced that the two nations would engage in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties, explore possibilities for deeper cooperation, and exchange perspectives on current regional and global happenings. The visit would symbolize a significant stride in fortifying ties between Pakistan and Syria, marking the inaugural trip by a Syrian foreign minister since Walid al-Mouallem's visit to Pakistan in May 2007.

Moreover, it was the first such visit since the change of government in Damascus. Pakistan had also recently denounced an "unprovoked" assault by Israel on a Syrian airbase, warning that such aggressive acts could further destabilize regional peace and stability. Syria's state-run Ekhbariya television, referencing a military source, reported on Tuesday that Israel conducted eight airstrikes on the runway and storage areas at the Abu al-Duhur base near Aleppo in northwest Syria.

However, a separate military source and a nearby civilian confirmed there were no fatalities. The Foreign Office emphasized that such provocative actions are a clear violation of international law and could exacerbate regional tensions. Pakistan reiterated its unwavering support for Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace, and prosperity.