{
  "id": 2261405,
  "title": "PM for translating friendship with Syria into cooperation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/pm-for-translating-friendship-with-syria-into-cooperation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T00:34:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435839/pm-for-translating-friendship-with-syria-into-cooperation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan emphasized on Thursday his nation's backing for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity during a meeting with visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. In the conversation, Sharif expressed his interest in hosting President Ahmad al-Sharaa for an official visit to Pakistan. The Prime Minister's Office released a statement outlining Sharif's commitment to continue strongly supporting Syria's stance on the Golan Heights. He warmly welcomed al-Shibani and his delegation, bestowing his well wishes to President al-Sharaa. Sharif highlighted the historical and profound ties between Pakistan and Syria, stressing the need to convert these bonds into tangible cooperation across various sectors, including politics, defense, trade, investment, education, and human resources development. He proposed the re-establishment of direct flights between Pakistan and Syria, which he believed would enhance people-to-people interactions and facilitate the movement of numerous Pakistani pilgrims to Syria. During the dialogue, al-Shibani conveyed President al-Sharaa's best wishes to Sharif and provided an update on Syria's political scenario and reconstruction endeavors. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its persistent support for Syria over the years and stated that the Syrian government is eager to further fortify bilateral relations. He also indicated a preference for the formation of formal institutional channels for cooperation at an early juncture. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, participated in the meeting.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. Speaking to visiting Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, the prime minister also invited President Ahmad al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said Sharif told al-Shibani that…",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif backed Syria's sovereignty and unity",
    "Sharif invited Syrian President al-Sharaa for official visit to Pakistan",
    "Sharif proposed re-establishing direct flights between Pakistan and Syria"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Pakistan's renewed push for cooperation with Syria signals a deepening of ties between the two nations, with potential economic and diplomatic gains for both countries through strengthened bilateral relations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}