Syrian FM visits Lebanon, affirms new phase in bilateral ties
3 Min Read
Syrian FM Al-Shaibani's visit to Beirut marks a new phase in Syrian-Lebanese relations through talks with Aoun and PM Salam.
-
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani before their meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 (AP)
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani underscored the depth of Syrian-Lebanese ties, highlighting a new chapter of mutual respect, joint cooperation, and resolving outstanding issues for the benefit of both peoples.
Following his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut on Friday, al-Shaibani stated, "We are working to build strong economic and investment ties, taking advantage of the positive international political climate toward the region."
For his part, Aoun told al-Shaibani that Lebanon seeks to enhance its relationship with Syria, doing so on a foundation of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs while also activating cooperation across political, economic, and security spheres in order to achieve stability for both nations.
Aoun noted that "the Syrian decision to suspend the work of the Joint Lebanese-Syrian Supreme Council makes activating diplomatic relations essential," adding, "In this context, we are awaiting the appointment of a new Syrian ambassador to Lebanon so that all matters can be followed up through the respective embassies in Beirut and Damascus."
Al-Shaibani meets Lebanese PM
The Syrian FM also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Government Serail, where their discussion covered key shared issues such as securing the borders and crossings to prevent smuggling, facilitating the return of refugees, and addressing the cases of Syrian detainees in Lebanon, on the one hand, and the Lebanese citizens who have gone missing in Syria, on the other.
The meeting also covered revising bilateral agreements to better serve mutual interests and reflect current developments, as well as exploring ways to enhance economic cooperation and enable Lebanon to participate in Syria's reconstruction.
Lebanese Prime Minister Salam affirmed Lebanon's commitment to building sound and balanced relations with Syria, founded on cooperation between two independent nations that share deep historical and geographical ties.
For his part, al-Shaibani expressed his appreciation for "the efforts of the Lebanese government and its sincere desire to develop bilateral relations," while affirming "Damascus' readiness to continue coordination and joint work across various fields to serve the common interests of both nations."
Lebanese, Syrian FMs assert new era
Al-Shaibani also met with his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Raji, stressing that his visit represents a historic milestone for the bilateral relationship and reflects Syria's new approach toward Lebanon, demonstrating its deep appreciation for the country, respect for its sovereignty, and a commitment to moving past the security tensions that have long defined their shared history.
He additionally expressed a firm commitment to overcoming past impediments with Lebanon, stating, "It is our objective to transition the Syrian-Lebanese relationship from one defined by security tensions to a more evolved and constructive partnership."
Furthermore, the Syrian FM pointed out that his country is "now entering a new phase following the fall of the former regime ten months ago, a phase of recovery and reconstruction which prioritizes rebuilding political relations on a foundation of cooperation, mutual respect, respect for state sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs."
