FM of Syria seeks to enhance political, economic ties with Lebanon

(MENAFN) Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani expressed Friday that there is a unique opportunity to transform the long-standing security-driven relationship between Syria and Lebanon into a political and economic partnership. His remarks came during his visit to Beirut, which marks the first official trip by a Syrian Cabinet member to Lebanon since President Ahmad al-Sharaa's administration took office.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, Shaibani highlighted Syria's commitment to overcoming past challenges in its relationship with Lebanon.

He stressed the importance of building stronger ties rooted in mutual respect and shared interests that will benefit both nations. “There is a historic opportunity to turn the relationship between Syria and Lebanon from a tense security relationship into a political and economic partnership,” Shaibani said.

The minister emphasized that Syria is entering a phase of recovery and reconstruction, with political relations founded on principles of cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. He also expressed gratitude to Lebanon for hosting millions of Syrian refugees despite Lebanon’s own economic difficulties.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Raji echoed these sentiments, calling the visit “a new page” in the two countries’ relations. He confirmed both nations' commitment to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring non-interference in each other's affairs. Raji also mentioned that the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council, an institution that had governed their relations for decades, would soon be formally abolished, signaling a shift toward direct diplomatic engagement.

Shaibani further met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and security areas. Aoun emphasized the need to activate diplomatic relations and resolve key issues, including land and maritime border agreements, gas pipelines, and the status of detained Syrians in Lebanon.

Shaibani reassured Aoun of Syria’s respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and highlighted ongoing efforts to address challenges such as the dignified return of Syrian refugees and post-war reconstruction. “We are discussing plans with international support to ensure a sustainable return of refugees and to address Syria’s post-war challenges through infrastructure development,” Shaibani added.

In a notable shift, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry was informed that the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council's functions would be suspended and that all future communications would go through official diplomatic channels. The council, established in 1991 under the Treaty of Brotherhood, Cooperation, and Coordination, had become largely symbolic after Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon in 2005.

In recent months, diplomatic efforts between Beirut and Damascus have intensified, focusing on critical issues like missing persons, land-border demarcation, and enhancing economic cooperation. The Lebanon-Syria border had been a flashpoint earlier this year, with tensions escalating after armed groups abducted Lebanese soldiers. However, a ceasefire agreement brokered by defense ministers from both countries has eased those tensions.

Shaibani’s visit is seen as a significant step toward re-establishing stable and cooperative relations between Syria and Lebanon, with both nations looking to build a future grounded in mutual respect and shared prosperity.

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