Lebanon, Syria Commit to Stronger Relations

(MENAFN) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that Lebanon is eager to forge “stronger and more balanced relations” with Syria, as he hosted Syrian Foreign Affairs Chief Asaad Hassan al-Shibani in Beirut.

"Lebanon seeks to strengthen its brotherly ties with Syria on the basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality, to serve the stability and prosperity of both nations," Aoun stated during the meeting, according to an official release from Lebanon’s presidency.

During the talks, Aoun outlined Beirut’s intent to “activate cooperation in political, economic, and security fields to achieve stability in both countries.” He proposed the creation of joint committees to modernize existing bilateral agreements and tackle unresolved issues, including border demarcation, gas pipeline coordination, and the fate of detainees.

The president also noted that Lebanon is awaiting Damascus' appointment of a new ambassador to Beirut to move forward on shared concerns.

Al-Shibani, for his part, said Syria is prepared to “open a new chapter” in relations with Lebanon, emphasizing the need for renewed trade and economic ties.

"Our peoples have suffered enough from wars and mismanagement. Let us try peace. We are ready to discuss all pending files, whether economic or security-related," al-Shibani declared.

Earlier Friday, al-Shibani held talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji.

At a joint press briefing, al-Shibani reiterated Syria’s commitment to a fresh diplomatic approach: "Syria, now entering a stage of recovery and reconstruction, seeks balanced political relations founded on respect for sovereignty and non-interference."

He added: "Syria intends to turn its relationship with Lebanon from a tense security-based one into a strong political and economic partnership that benefits both nations."

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