IT is appreciable that Pakistan’s civil and military leadership Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy P.M./Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar , and Chief of Defence Forces/ Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are individually and collectively making concerted, dedicated and purposeful activities in a determined, committed and result-oriented manner for not only restoring the country’s positive, soft and peace loving image in the comity of nations but also reviving and restoring old brotherly relations with the Islamic bloc member countries but also promoting friendly relations with more and more countries around the globe seeking boosting of relations, trade, investment and partnerships and enhancing cooperation in mutually beneficial manner. Their contacts with top leaders and government dignitaries of these countries such as te le phonic conversations, exchange of visits and high-level mutual deliberations are producing good, productive and positive results for boosting the country’s upward economic trajectory .
These efforts have duly been accelerated following the US-Israel coalition’s unwarranted and unprovoked attack on Iran since February 2026 and resultant conflict in the Middle East and subsequently impending threats to peace , security and stability of the region.and Pakistan is also fast emerging on the world scene as peace promoter and mediator. In this regard, the recent two days official visit by the Syrian Foreign Minister along with a delegation to Pakistan at the invitation of the Deputy PM/Foreign Minister is being dilated upon here.
The landmark visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shahari to Islamabad was an indication of the sincere efforts being made by Pakistan and Syria for strengthening their bilateral diplomatic, economic and defence relations. This high-level official visit by a Syrian dignitary was first in 19 years since Walid al-Mouallem visit to Pakistan in May 2007 when he was the Foreign Minister of Syria. The visintin Syrian Foreign Minister held discussions with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar called on Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and held a meeting with CDF /Army Chief F.M.Syed Asim Munir at the GHQ in Rawalpindi.
During these meetings bilateral relations between the two countries were duly highlighted. During his meeting with the Prime Minister, views were exchanged covering historic and multifaceted relations and also matters and concerns between Pakistan and Syria . The PM conveyed his best wishes to the Syrian President and extended an invitation to transitional Syrian head al-Sharaa to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date. Delegation level talks between the two sides focused on reviewing bilateral relations, regional developments,security and concerns. The Pakistan side headed by Dy PM /Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
The two sides discussed at some length ways to.further broaden bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and international developments, including Palestine, the Golan Heights, Afghanistan, South Asia and ongoing Middle East conflict. Talks between the two sides took place after a day Israel had carried out airstrikes on a Syrian airbase thereby prompting Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s unprovoked attack.
On his part, the Syrian Foreign Minister welcomed the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan and praised Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, particularly during the US-Israel coalition unwarranted and unprovoked war against Iran. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuation of bilateral cooperation for peace , stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.
During his visit to the GHQ and exchange of views with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, views were exchanged regarding matters of mutual interest, the regional security environment and avenues for enhancing bilateral defence and security cooperation. Field Marshal Asim highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal relations with Syria and the country’s perspective on global peace and regional stability and underscored the importance of continued joint efforts and greater cooperation in order to address common security challenges.
The Syrian Foreign Minister’s visit was though short of just days duration but it i s surely and certainly going to be quite result-oriented, productive and purposeful as both Pakistan and Syria are determined to further enhance and strengthen their bilateral relations through mutually beneficial cooperation and upholding the bilateral concerns, challenges and interests as well accelerating frequent exchanges of leaders , delegations and people to say the least, please.
—The writer is Lahore-based freelance journalist, columnist and retired Deputy Controller (News), Radio Pakistan, Islamabad.
