Meeting Between Nawaf Salam and Ahmad al-Shara: A New Beginning to Strengthen Syria–Lebanon Relations
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concluded an official visit today to the Syrian capital, Damascus, where he led a ministerial delegation that included Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Defense Minister Michel Mansi, and Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar.
During the visit, the delegation met with Syria’s transitional President Ahmad al-Shara and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.
Salam stated that his visit to Damascus marks a new beginning in the relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect and the restoration of trust. He affirmed that ties with Syria are rooted in upholding the sovereignty of both nations and refraining from interference in internal affairs.
He announced the agreement to form a joint ministerial committee comprising the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, interior, and justice to follow up on shared issues. Discussions also touched on reviewing bilateral agreements, including the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council.
The talks covered cooperation in several areas, such as reopening trade and transit routes, importing oil and gas, developing civil aviation lines, and facilitating the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees with the assistance of the United Nations and friendly countries.
