Syria says FM's visit to boost ties with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Syria and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen political, security and economic cooperation following the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Islamabad in 19 years, signalling a renewed push to deepen bilateral strategic ties, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Sunday.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani concluded his landmark visit on Friday after holding talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior Pakistani officials.

According to SANA report, Mohammad al-Jaffal, adviser for Afro-Asian affairs at Syria's Foreign Ministry, said that the visit had come at an "important and sensitive time" as Damascus and Islamabad moved towards greater cooperation.

He said that an initial agreement had been reached to revive the Joint Higher Committee and reactivate the Political Dialogue Committee. He added the visit focused on "building the image of the new Syrian state" and strengthening its presence through broader relations with strategic partners.

SANA said Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its position on the occupied Golan. It also condemned Israeli attacks on Abu al-Duhur Military Airport in Idlib as a "blatant violation of international law" and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people.

The report said that the the two sides also discussed regional challenges and Pakistan's role in reducing tensions in the context of US-Iranian relations. The Syrian minister also welcomed the signing of the Makkah Agreement for Mutual Defence.

The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation between the public and private sectors and strengthening economic ties, besides resuming direct flights between the two countries to facilitate travel and exchanges, as well as holding an investment forum in either Damascus or Islamabad.