Syrian FM, CDF Munir discuss regional security and bilateral defence ties

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and his delegation called on Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the military’s media wing said on Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the regional security environment and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence and security cooperation. "Field Marshal Munir highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding fraternal ties with Syria and shared Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability, underscoring the importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges," the statement said. ISPR said that the visiting dignitary appreciated the professional role played by the Armed Forces of Pakistan in promoting regional peace and stability. "Both sides reiterated their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in the fields of defence and security," the statement concluded. Read: PM Shehbaz reaffirms support for Syria's sovereignty after Israeli strikes in meeting with FM Asaad Hassan Yesterday, the Syrian foreign minister landed in Islamabad on a two-day official visit to Pakistan. During the day, Syrian Foreign Minister Shaibani met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria. He also met Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, with the two sides reaffirming the deep-rooted brotherly ties between Pakistan and Syria, the Foreign Office said. "FM Dar received Asaad Hassan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," FO added. "The two foreign ministers held a warm and constructive restricted meeting and discussed ways to further advance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, " it added. The FO said the visit marked the “first foreign minister-level visit between Pakistan and Syria in nearly two decades”.