In response to a question about the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement" signed on August 7 between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, al-Shaibani said that Syria is evaluating the issue of joining the agreement. Stating that Syria has not yet decided whether to join the alliance, al-Shaibani noted that a decision in this regard would be made later. Describing Turkiye as "a fundamental partner in the reconstruction of Syria," al-Shaibani drew attention to the shared border exceeding one thousand kilometers between the two countries and their historical ties.
"IRAN MUST ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT IT HAS DONE TO THE SYRIAN PEOPLE"
Also speaking about possible contacts with Iran, al-Shaibani said that Tehran must first acknowledge "what it has done to the Syrian people" during the Syrian civil war.
Praising Pakistan's role in the dialogue process between the US and Iran, al-Shaibani stated that the Islamabad administration has so far not made any proposal regarding mediation between Syria and Iran.
"IT IS STILL TOO EARLY TO TALK WITH ISRAEL"
Describing his visit to Pakistan as "successful," al-Shaibani announced that Damascus and Islamabad agreed to reactivate the joint ministerial committee, maintain direct flights, establish a business council, and organize an investment forum.
Stating that the two countries share the same vision and want to elevate bilateral relations to the highest level, al-Shaibani announced that Syria would raise the level of its diplomatic representation in Pakistan to the ambassadorial level.
Regarding relations with Israel, al-Shaibani said it is "still too early" to discuss any strategic agreement. Saying, "Syria's first priority is the cessation of Israeli attacks," al-Shaibani used the expression, "Syria is a sovereign state." al-Shaibani said, "Israel should not dictate its alliances or partnerships to Damascus."