Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al‑Shaibani arrived in Islamabad early Thursday for an official visit to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
The visit marks a significant diplomatic shift as Syria's transitional leadership seeks broader international engagement following recent Israeli strikes and changing Middle Eastern alliances.
This is the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in 19 years [1]. The diplomatic mission is scheduled as a two-day official visit [2]. Upon arrival, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ additional secretary for the Middle East received the minister, a Pakistan Foreign Office statement said.
Al‑Shaibani said the discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing regional developments [4]. The visit comes at a time when Syria is reviewing avenues for enhancing its international ties amid a volatile security environment.
Regional security dynamics are further complicated by a new joint defence pact between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia [3]. Syrian leadership is reportedly navigating these new alignments to secure its position in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed support for the Syrian state during the visit. "Pakistan stands with Syria in defending its sovereignty," Sharif said.
The two nations are expected to explore various sectors of cooperation during the short stay, focusing on diplomatic normalization, and the impact of recent conflicts on regional stability.
“This is the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in 19 years.”
The resumption of high-level diplomatic contact between Damascus and Islamabad suggests a strategic pivot by Syria's transitional government to diversify its allies. By engaging Pakistan—especially following the formation of a defence pact between Islamabad, Ankara, and Riyadh—Syria is likely attempting to hedge its security interests and reduce its dependence on a limited set of global powers.
