Ishaq Dar meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara’a on UNGA sidelines, pledges to deepen ties

NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met President Ahmed al-Shara’a of Syria on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly session (UNGA80), marking the first appearance of a Syrian head of state at the UNGA in nearly six decades.

During the meeting, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Syrian people and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening the historic Pakistan–Syria relationship.

Both leaders agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, human capital development, and broader developmental initiatives.

The engagement underscored Pakistan’s resolve to deepen ties with Syria while supporting peace, stability, and progress in the region.

Met President Ahmed al-Shara’a of Syria on the margins of #UNGA80, the first Syrian head of state to attend UNGA in nearly six decades. Reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Syrian people, and we shared the resolve to further deepen historic Pakistan–Syria friendship through… pic.twitter.com/mK3UlF20ia

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) September 23, 2025

Earlier, speaking at an OIC High-Level Event on Peace and Tolerance in commemoration of the 1500th anniversary of the birth of Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), in New York, Ishaq Dar asserted that this partnership should focus on promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue, safeguarding sacred sites and religious symbols and combating terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms.

He also highlighted the importance of mobilizing humanitarian support including through mechanisms such as Zakat and Waqf and empowering women and youth through education, science, technology, and active engagement in peacebuilding efforts.