In Islamabad on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani aimed at reinforcing bilateral relations, expanding economic collaboration, and supporting Syria’s reconstruction efforts.
PM Shehbaz warmly welcomed the Syrian foreign minister, extending his regards to Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Highlighting the historic and brotherly ties between the two nations, Shehbaz emphasized the need to translate these relations into tangible cooperation, especially in politics, defense, trade, investment, and education.
The prime minister also advocated for reinstating direct flights between Pakistan and Syria, noting that improved air connectivity would enhance people-to-people interactions and facilitate travel for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Syria. Additionally, Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Syria’s stance on the Golan Heights issue, pledging continued backing for Damascus.
In response, Foreign Minister Al-Shibani conveyed President Al-Sharaa’s greetings to the prime minister and provided an update on Syria’s political landscape and ongoing reconstruction initiatives. He expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s ongoing support and affirmed Syria’s intention to deepen relations with Pakistan. Furthermore, Shehbaz extended an official invitation to President Al-Sharaa to visit Pakistan.
Earlier, Al-Shibani and his delegation met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at the Ministry of Commerce. Jam Kamal underscored Pakistan’s value for its longstanding fraternal ties with Syria and expressed solidarity with the Syrian people, wishing them peace, stability, and success in rebuilding their country.
The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation. Jam Kamal outlined Pakistan’s economic strengths and export potential, highlighting opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, information technology, and agriculture. Meanwhile, the Syrian foreign minister detailed Syria’s priorities for reconstruction and development, identifying sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and industry as key areas for collaboration.
These talks come at a critical time as Syria seeks to rebuild its economy and infrastructure after years of conflict, opening avenues for Pakistani businesses and exporters.
In a significant development, Al-Shibani proposed establishing a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council to facilitate business interactions between the two countries. He also suggested organizing a Pakistan-Syria Joint Investment Forum in Damascus to explore investment opportunities and connect investors from both sides. The Syrian Ministry of Economy plans to send a delegation to Pakistan to further investigate economic cooperation prospects.
Jam Kamal proposed virtual meetings between Pakistani and Syrian business communities to identify potential collaboration areas without delay. He also recommended reviving the Pakistan-Syria Joint Ministerial Commission and its working groups, emphasizing that existing institutional frameworks could convert political goodwill into concrete economic initiatives.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in sectors related to Syria’s reconstruction, including infrastructure, energy, transport, and industry. Jam Kamal highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between Pakistan and Syria as a solid foundation for closer economic ties.
Both ministers expressed a mutual desire to transform their longstanding friendship into practical progress in trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The discussions in Islamabad reflect a comprehensive effort to strengthen Pakistan-Syria relations across political, diplomatic, and economic dimensions, with reconstruction, trade, and investment emerging as key priorities for future collaboration.
