PROVINCE REPORT
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Syria reiterated the resolve to expand the bilateral engagements in the field of defence and security.
According to an ISPR statement released on Friday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to discuss the regional security environment and enhanced bilateral defence cooperation.
Shaibani arrived in Islamabad leading a high-level delegation on Wednesday evening to review bilateral ties and discuss regional developments amid tensions between the United States (US) and Iran in the Middle East.
Shaibani’s visit marked the first time in 19 years that a Syrian foreign minister visited Pakistan.
He met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir during his visit.
“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security environment and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation were discussed,” the ISPR statement said.
Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal ties with Syria and shared Islamabad’s perspective on global peace and regional stability.
The Army Chief also underscored the importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges.
Shaibani appreciated the role played by Pakistan’s armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability, the ISPR said and added “Both sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in the fields of defence and security.”
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad on Thursday, Shaibani said Syria was also studying whether to join the new joint defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye but had not yet taken a decision.
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, signed by the three countries on Aug. 7, stipulates that an armed attack against one of its members would be considered an attack against all three.
“As for the Makkah Agreement, we observed this agreement just as did all other countries, and we understand that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and Türkiye are very important countries in the region,” he said.
“Of course, we are studying our options,” he continued.
“We don’t have a decision right now whether to join or not to join this alliance.
This is something that will be kept for the future.”
After concluding his visit to Pakistan, Shaibani in a post on X platform said “We conclude today the historic and successful visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which constituted an important station in strengthening the fraternal Syrian-Pakistani relations, and opening new horizons for cooperation between the two countries.”
He said “I extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, the Chief of the Pakistani Army, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Interior Minister, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, and the Commerce Minister, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, for the warmth of the reception and the generosity of hospitality, and for the keen interest they demonstrated in strengthening the relations between our two countries.”
