PM Shehbaz backs Syria’s sovereignty, calls for stronger bilateral ties

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.

Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the visiting Syrian foreign minister and conveyed his good wishes for Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, while reiterating Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Shehbaz said that Pakistan and Syria enjoyed historic and fraternal relations that needed to be translated into practical cooperation, particularly in the areas of politics, defence, trade, investment and education.

The prime minister also called for the 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.

Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s position on the Golan Heights, saying Islamabad would continue to firmly back Damascus on the issue.

The Syrian foreign minister conveyed President Al-Sharaa’s good wishes to the Pakistani prime minister and briefed him on the political situation in Syria and ongoing efforts for reconstruction.

ISLAMABAD: 20 August 2026.

Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic, Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today.

Welcoming Mr. Al-Shaibani and his delegation, the Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes for President Ahmed… pic.twitter.com/1tubHQekfx

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) August 20, 2026

Al-Shibani thanked Pakistan for its continued support for Syria and said the Syrian government wanted to further strengthen relations with Pakistan.

The prime minister also extended an invitation to President Al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan.

Pakistan, Syria seek stronger economic ties

Earlier, Al-Shibani and a high-level delegation visited the Ministry of Commerce, where Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan received the Syrian foreign minister.

Jam Kamal said that Pakistan attached great importance to its longstanding fraternal relations with Syria and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people, wishing them peace, stability and success in their reconstruction efforts.

The two sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.

Jam Kamal briefed the Syrian delegation on Pakistan’s economic and export potential and highlighted opportunities for cooperation in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, information technology and agricultural products.

The Syrian foreign minister outlined Syria’s reconstruction and development priorities and said there was considerable scope for cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture and industry.

The discussions come as Syria seeks to rebuild its economy and infrastructure after years of conflict, creating potential opportunities for Pakistani businesses and exporters.

Joint business council proposed

Al-Shibani proposed the establishment of a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council to facilitate contacts between businesses in the two countries.

He also proposed holding a Pakistan-Syria Joint Investment Forum in Damascus to identify investment opportunities and connect investors from both sides.

The Syrian Ministry of Economy will send a delegation to Pakistan to explore opportunities for expanding bilateral economic cooperation, according to the discussions.

Jam Kamal proposed arranging virtual meetings between Pakistani and Syrian business communities to help companies identify potential areas of cooperation without waiting for physical visits.

He also proposed reviving the Pakistan-Syria Joint Ministerial Commission and its working groups, saying existing institutional mechanisms could help translate political goodwill into concrete economic initiatives.

The two sides also discussed the potential for greater cooperation in sectors linked to Syria’s reconstruction, including infrastructure, energy, transport and industry.

Focus on trade and investment

Jam Kamal said Pakistan’s historical and cultural links with Syria provided a strong foundation for closer economic ties.

Both ministers expressed a desire to convert their longstanding friendship and goodwill into practical progress in trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The discussions in Islamabad marked a broad push to strengthen Pakistan-Syria relations across political, diplomatic and economic fronts, with reconstruction, trade and investment emerging as key areas for future cooperation.