Pakistan And Syria Seek To Boost Relations, Enhance Trade

HYDERABAD, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Pakistan and Syria are looking at expanding their relations across sectors and building greater people-to-people linkages.

The move came during Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al Shaibani’s visit to Islamabad, the first by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.

Shaibani on Thursday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and held talks on bilateral cooperation with key ministers in Islamabad.

Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, including its position on the Golan Heights, a statement issued by the Pakistan government's information department said.

"While recalling the historic and multifaceted ties between the two countries, the prime minister emphasised the need to translate the longstanding Pakistan-Syria friendship into enhanced cooperation across politics, defence, trade, investment, education, and human resource development," it said.

Both sides are also looking at the resumption of direct flights to boost travel and cultural linkages.

Shaibani and Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar "exchanged views on regional and international developments, including Palestine, the Golan Heights, Afghanistan, the situation in South Asia, and developments in West Asia," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a post on X.

The Syrian minister welcomed the recent Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and "commended Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability, including its efforts towards de-escalation in the US-Iran context," the ministry said.

Separately, Shaibani also held discussions with Pakistani Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on expanding trade and investment ties and Syria's infrastructure and reconstruction requirements.

Khan sought greater interaction between the private sectors of Pakistan and Syria, while Shaibani proposed setting up a joint business council to promote.

-- BERNAMA