World : Pakistan, Syria Discuss Expanding Defence, Security Cooperation

Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, convened a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani to discuss defence and security cooperation, according to the military's media wing. The gathering occurred at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, as reported by Inter-Services Public Relations.

The agenda encompassed matters of mutual concern, the prevailing regional security situation, and prospects for bolstering bilateral defense and security partnerships. Munir underscored Pakistan's age-old brotherly bonds with Syria and echoed Pakistan's stance on global peace and regional stability, emphasizing the significance of collaboration to tackle shared security concerns.

The Syrian envoy acknowledged the commendable role of Pakistan's armed forces in fostering regional peace and stability. Both parties pledged to further reinforce bilateral relations and broaden cooperation in defense and security spheres. Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani embarked on an official visit to Islamabad on Thursday at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

During his stay, he also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who emphasized the necessity of translating the long-standing ties between Pakistan and Syria into heightened collaboration in politics, defense, trade, investment, education, and human resource development. The Syrian minister put forward the establishment of a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council to facilitate direct engagement between the commercial entities of the two nations.

This visit marks the first by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan since Walid al-Mouallem's trip in May 2007, following the shift in government in Damascus.