Pakistan and Syria reaffirmed their longstanding ties on Thursday as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani in Islamabad.

Dar received Al-Shaibani at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the Syrian minister’s two-day official visit to Pakistan. The two ministers held a “warm and constructive” meeting and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They also held detailed talks on regional developments, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

The visit marks the first foreign minister-level visit between Pakistan and Syria in nearly two decades. The two sides are also scheduled to hold delegation-level talks covering the full range of bilateral relations.

Pakistan-Syria ties

The Foreign Office said the visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and explore new areas of collaboration. The ministers are expected to exchange views on regional and international developments.

Al-Shaibani arrived in Islamabad with a high-level delegation after an invitation from Dar. The Syrian minister was received by the Foreign Office’s additional secretary for the Middle East.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following Israeli military action in Syria.

Pakistan condemns Israeli strikes

Pakistan condemned Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in Syria’s Idlib province a day before Al-Shaibani’s arrival.

Islamabad described the strikes as “unprovoked” and a violation of international law. Pakistan also warned that such actions could further destabilise the region.

The Foreign Office expressed solidarity with the Syrian people and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and prosperity.

Pakistan also urged the international community to take action against what it described as repeated violations of international law.

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Regional tensions

The Israeli strikes reportedly targeted the Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Syria early Tuesday. Syrian state media reported that eight strikes damaged the runway and storage facilities.

Syrian military sources and a local resident said there were no casualties. The Israeli military did not comment on the strikes.

US special presidential envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack described the attack as an “unnecessary escalation” and called for restraint and dialogue.

The latest Pakistan-Syria talks therefore come at a sensitive time, with both countries seeking closer coordination while regional tensions continue to rise.