ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani on Thursday discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, expand economic cooperation and support Syria’s reconstruction during a meeting in Islamabad.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and said the two countries should translate their historic and fraternal relations into practical cooperation in politics, defence, trade, investment and education.
The prime minister called for restoration of direct flights between Pakistan and Syria, saying improved air connectivity would strengthen people-to-people contacts and facilitate Pakistani pilgrims travelling to Syria.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s position on the Golan Heights and invited Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.
Al-Shibani conveyed President Al-Sharaa’s good wishes to Shehbaz and briefed him on Syria’s political situation and reconstruction efforts. He thanked Pakistan for its continued support and expressed Syria’s desire to further strengthen relations with Islamabad.
Earlier, the Syrian foreign minister met Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce, where both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Pakistan highlighted opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, information technology and agricultural products, while Syria identified energy, transport, agriculture and industry as key areas for cooperation.
Al-Shibani proposed establishing a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council and holding a Joint Investment Forum in Damascus to connect businesses and identify investment opportunities.
The two sides also discussed reviving the Pakistan-Syria Joint Ministerial Commission and arranging virtual meetings between Pakistani and Syrian business communities.
Syria’s reconstruction needs were also discussed, with both sides identifying infrastructure, energy, transport and industry as potential areas for Pakistani businesses and investors.
The meetings marked a renewed push to strengthen Pakistan-Syria relations, with trade, investment and reconstruction emerging as key areas of future cooperation.