Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani made statements on Damascus’s reconstruction agenda and regional partnerships during his contacts in Pakistan. Describing Türkiye as a “key partner” in Syria’s reconstruction, Shaibani said the border connecting the two countries is more than 1,000 kilometers long and that they share historic ties.
Asked whether Syria would join the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on August 7, Shaibani said the issue was under consideration. He stated that no decision had yet been made and that a decision on Syria’s participation in the alliance would be taken later.
Damascus sends messages on Iran and Israel
Addressing possible contacts with Iran, Shaibani said Tehran must first acknowledge what it did to the Syrian people during the uprising against Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Shaibani praised Pakistan’s role in the dialogue process between the United States and Iran, and said Islamabad had so far made no proposal to mediate between Syria and Iran.
Commenting on relations with Israel, Shaibani said it was still too early to discuss any strategic agreement. He said Syria’s priority was to halt Israeli attacks.
Emphasizing that Syria is a sovereign state, Shaibani said Israel should not dictate its alliances or partnerships to Damascus.
Areas agreed with Pakistan
Shaibani described his visit to Pakistan as successful. He said Damascus and Islamabad had agreed to reactivate their joint ministerial committee, and added that the two countries had also agreed to maintain direct flights, establish a business council and hold an investment forum.
Shaibani said Syria and Pakistan share the same vision and that they want to elevate bilateral relations to the highest level. In line with this goal, he announced that Syria would raise its level of diplomatic representation in Pakistan to the ambassadorial level.
Shaibani’s visit to Pakistan
Shaibani said Syrian foreign policy was focused on reconstruction, economic cooperation and building stronger relations with regional and international partners. He had traveled to Pakistan on Wednesday with a high-level delegation.
The visit was the first official visit to Pakistan by a Syrian foreign minister in 19 years.
