New Syrian FM on first visit to Lebanon
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Syrian FM Asaad al-Shaibani visits Beirut for the first time, marking a "new political approach" with Lebanon focused on refugees, prisoners, and border security.
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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, left, speaks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, right, before a briefing for journalists following their meeting in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
In a major step toward "a new approach" to Syria-Lebanon ties, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Beirut on Friday, marking the first official visit by a high-ranking Syrian official since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Speaking alongside his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Rajji, Shaibani emphasized a new phase in bilateral relations. “This visit reflects a new Syrian approach towards Lebanon, built on mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference,” he said at a joint press conference.
Rajji echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as the beginning of a “new path” between the two countries.
Discussions between the delegations centered on longstanding challenges, including the fate of Syrian prisoners in Lebanese jails, border demarcation, and the future of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
A Lebanese judicial official told AFP that approximately 2,250 Syrians are currently held in Lebanese prisons, about one-third of the country’s total inmate population. Around 700 meet the legal requirements for extradition, but officials said a new agreement between the two countries is needed to proceed.
Many of the detainees are charged with terrorism or membership in armed groups, and some have already appeared before military courts, while others are still awaiting trial.
Plans for gradual return of Syrian refugees
Lebanon hosts more than one million Syrian refugees according to official numbers, though the UNHCR estimates that over 294,000 have returned to Syria this year. After meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Shaibani said, “There are plans that we are discussing now, with international support, for the dignified and stable return of refugees.”
Security along the 330-kilometer Lebanon-Syria border was another top priority. The border was the subject of a March agreement signed by both countries’ defense ministers following deadly clashes that left 10 people dead.
Shaibani's visit follows a series of recent engagements, including a meeting in Damascus between Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in April.
During the visit, Shaibani reiterated Syria’s commitment to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, echoing statements made last December by the Syrian leadership. The delegation also included Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais, signaling broader cooperation.
