Syria FM Islamabad Visit Focuses On Bilateral, Regional Ties

Syria &  Pakistan – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Al-Shaibani Islamabad arrival took place late Wednesday evening, marking the start of a historic Syria FM Islamabad visit. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani landed in the capital at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. This trip is the first by a Syrian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly two decades.

The Foreign Office confirmed the news through an official statement. It said the visit will run from August 19 to August 20. Al-Shaibani is not travelling alone. He is joined by a high-level official delegation from Syria.

Upon landing at the airport, the Syrian delegation was welcomed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The additional secretary for the Middle East received the guests personally. This gesture reflects the importance Pakistan places on renewing ties with Syria.

H.E. Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, arrived in Islamabad today on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50.

Upon arrival, the… pic.twitter.com/95YAJPUJ4r

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 19, 2026

During the two-day stay, both countries plan to hold deep discussions. These talks will cover the full range of bilateral relations. Officials from both sides will also look at fresh ways to boost cooperation between the two nations.

Regional and global issues are also on the agenda. Pakistan and Syria are expected to share views on ongoing developments in the Middle East. This comes at a time when tensions in the region remain high.

The Foreign Office called this trip an important step forward. It said the visit will help strengthen Pakistan-Syria relations in a meaningful way. Both nations hope to build a stronger partnership moving ahead.

Diplomatic sources say al-Shaibani is likely to meet several top Pakistani leaders. This includes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the ministers of defense and commerce. These meetings are expected to focus on defense, trade, and economic cooperation.

Pakistan and Syria share a long diplomatic history. Islamabad kept its embassy open in Damascus even during the toughest years of Syria’s civil war. This decision helped preserve ties between the two nations when many countries pulled back.

The relationship between Pakistan and Syria goes beyond politics. Over the years, both sides have worked together in education as well. Syria’s education minister visited Pakistan back in 2021, showing that cooperation continued quietly even during difficult times.

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Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Foreign Minister of the Syrian Arab Republic to Pakistan

🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oZJ7vDebu6

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 19, 2026

Since the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, Syria has entered a new political phase. Al-Shaibani was appointed foreign minister under President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s administration. Since then, Damascus has been working to rebuild ties with several countries across the region.

Pakistan responded quickly to the political change in Syria. Islamabad reached out to the new Syrian leadership soon after the transition began. Pakistan has also repeatedly voiced support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This visit follows a smaller meeting held last year. A Pakistani delegation met al-Shaibani in Damascus in June, laying early groundwork for stronger ties. Officials from both sides agreed then to increase the frequency of diplomatic exchanges.

The timing of this visit is significant. It comes shortly after Israeli airstrikes hit an airbase in northwestern Syria. Pakistan strongly condemned the attack, calling it a serious violation of international law.

In its statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed full solidarity with the Syrian people. It reaffirmed support for Syria’s peace, stability, and prosperity. Pakistan also urged the international community to take stronger action against such violations.

Despite decades of shared history, formal cooperation between Pakistan and Syria has remained limited in recent years. This visit could change that. Officials from both countries hope it will open doors to new agreements in defense and trade.

The last Syrian foreign minister to visit Pakistan was Walid al-Mouallem back in May 2007. That makes al-Shaibani’s trip especially significant for both nations. It signals a fresh start after years of limited high-level contact.

As talks continue over the next two days, both sides are expected to explore practical steps forward. These may include agreements on trade, security cooperation, and long-term diplomatic engagement. The outcome of this visit could shape Pakistan-Syria relations for years to come.

Observers believe this visit reflects a broader shift in Syria’s foreign policy. Damascus is actively working to rebuild international partnerships after years of isolation. Pakistan’s willingness to engage early positions it as a key regional partner for Syria’s new government.