ISLAMABAD: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani said on Thursday that Damascus and Islamabad were keen to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly people-to-people contacts, as he welcomed Pakistan’s “warm” response to Syria.

Speaking informally to Pakistani journalists during his visit to Islamabad, the Syrian foreign minister said there were “natural ties” between the peoples of Pakistan and Syria.

“We are opening the door to people-to-people relations,” Mr Al-Shaibani said, adding that the Syrian government had witnessed warmth from the Pakistani leadership.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Chief of Defence Forces were also interested in developing closer relations with Syria.

On regional security, the Syrian foreign minister said Damascus supported Lebanon’s stability and called on Iran not to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs.

“If the Lebanese government asks for our help, we will not hesitate,” he said.

Mr Al-Shaibani also condemned terrorist attacks against Pakistan originating from Afghanistan and urged the Afghan government to take effective measures to stop terrorism.

Referring to Turkey’s role, he said Ankara had stood by Syria and its people during the past 14 years and described Turkey as an important ally of Damascus.

On Israel, the Syrian foreign minister said Damascus wanted Israel to stop attacks against Syria. He added that the United States was playing a role in promoting reconciliation.

“We respect Pakistan very much,” he said.

Asked about possible cooperation under the understanding reached among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Mr Al-Shaibani said the Syrian government was considering different options regarding possible cooperation or participation.

“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are important countries in the region,” he said, adding that Damascus would decide in the future whether it wanted to become part of such an arrangement.

He rejected any attempt by Israel to dictate Syria’s choice of partners.

“Israel has no right to tell us who can be our ally or partner,” he said.

The Syrian foreign minister also clarified that Pakistan had not offered to mediate between Syria and Iran during his current visit.

He said Damascus would have no objection to a Pakistani mediation offer if Iran first acknowledged its past role in Syria and towards the Syrian people.

Mr Al-Shaibani is in Pakistan as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss regional developments and security cooperation.