Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani discussed regional security and ways to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation during a meeting at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the talks covered matters of mutual interest, the regional security situation and opportunities to expand cooperation in defence and security.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal ties with Syria and shared Islamabad’s perspective on global peace and regional stability. He also stressed the importance of joint efforts to address common security challenges.
The visiting Syrian foreign minister appreciated the role of Pakistan’s armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding engagement in defence and security.
Al-Shibani arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the visit, he also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who called for translating the longstanding Pakistan-Syria relationship into greater cooperation in politics, defence, trade, investment, education and human resource development.
The Syrian foreign minister also proposed the establishment of a Pakistan-Syria Joint Business Council to promote direct interaction between the business communities of the two countries.
The visit marks the first trip to Pakistan by a Syrian foreign minister since Walid al-Mouallem visited Islamabad in May 2007 and comes after the change of government in Damascus.
