Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani’s visit to Lebanon marked a new phase in bilateral relations, during which he reaffirmed Syria’s stance that “a new page is being opened with Lebanon” following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Al-Shaibani discussed security, judicial, economic, and diplomatic issues and, at the request of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, called for the appointment of a new Syrian ambassador to Lebanon to coordinate matters between the Lebanese and Syrian embassies in Beirut and Damascus, after the suspension of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council.
The visit is the first by a senior Syrian official to neighboring Lebanon since Assad’s ouster in December 2024. Lebanese Foreign Ministry officials said the current Syrian authorities “respect Lebanon’s sovereignty” and the principle of “non-interference in its internal affairs.” Al-Shaibani told reporters, “We want to move past the obstacles of the past with Lebanon.”
High-Level Meetings, Notably Without Speaker Berri
On Thursday's visit, al-Shaibani was accompanied by Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Louais, the head of Syrian intelligence, Hussein al-Salama, and the assistant interior minister, Maj. Gen. Abdel Qader Tahan.
He met with President Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Lebanese Foreign Minister Joseph Raji. Notably, he did not meet with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, marking a break from the protocol followed by most foreign visitors.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Syrian delegation did not request a meeting with Berri, with the Syrians viewing the visit as “technical and administrative, not requiring a parliamentary meeting.”
Though the visit appeared primarily “security-judicial” in nature, following three judicial delegations to Lebanon over the past two months, economic issues featured prominently.
Ministry sources said al-Shaibani emphasized the importance of economic and trade cooperation, as well as investment opportunities in Syria after the lifting of international sanctions. He also stressed the continuation of joint committees and meetings addressing pending security and judicial matters.
Aoun Calls for Enhanced Cooperation
The Lebanese presidency said President Aoun told al-Shaibani that “Lebanon seeks to strengthen ties with its brotherly neighbor on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference, and to activate cooperation in political, economic, and security fields to achieve stability in both Lebanon and Syria.”
Aoun stressed that “deepening and developing bilateral relations requires the formation of joint committees to review all pending files, particularly agreements between the two countries that need reassessment and evaluation.”
Regarding the suspension of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, Aoun said it “necessitates the activation of diplomatic relations,” adding, “We await the appointment of a new Syrian ambassador to Lebanon to follow up on all matters through the Lebanese and Syrian embassies in Beirut and Damascus.”
He also noted that “the situation along the Lebanese-Syrian border is better than before, and the key issues requiring attention, as agreed with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, include land and maritime borders, the gas line, and the issue of detainees. We will work on these matters based on our shared interests.” Aoun added: “The region has endured enough wars and wasted resources that should instead be invested to allow our peoples to live with dignity, after enduring so much suffering and instability.” He renewed an invitation for Al-Sharaa to visit Lebanon.
Economic and Trade Cooperation on the Agenda
At the start of the meetings, al-Shaibani highlighted “the historical ties between Lebanon and Syria, which should be deepened and past grievances corrected, particularly those that harmed Syria’s image.” He called for “enhanced cooperation in all fields, especially economic and trade, given the new openness to Syria following the lifting of sanctions, from which Lebanon can benefit.”
Al-Shaibani reaffirmed Syria’s respect for Lebanese sovereignty and commitment to strong, cooperative relations. “We look forward to closing the page on the past because we want to build the future,” he said. “We are ready to discuss any pending files, whether economic or security-related. Our peoples have suffered wars and tragedies—let us try peace.” He also renewed the invitation for President Aoun to visit Syria.
Executive-Level Talks at Government Palace
At the Government Palace, al-Shaibani and his delegation met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in meetings focused on practical coordination. The Lebanese government said the discussions were “positive and constructive,” covering all aspects of bilateral relations, affirming the mutual desire to open a new chapter based on respect, good neighborliness, and protection of each country’s sovereignty and national decision-making.
The talks addressed shared issues including border and checkpoint management, smuggling prevention, and facilitating the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees in coordination with the United Nations and friendly countries. They also covered Syrian detainees in Lebanon and missing Lebanese in Syria, as well as reviewing bilateral agreements to better align with changing circumstances. Opportunities to enhance economic cooperation and contribute to reconstruction in Syria, leveraging Lebanese expertise, were also discussed.
Salam emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to “building balanced and sound relations with Syria, based on cooperation between two independent states bound by geography and history,” stressing that openness and sincere dialogue are the only path to stability in both countries and the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Metri said after the meetings that “we discussed Lebanese-Syrian relations and agreed to address all matters swiftly and in good faith. The political will of both our Syrian brothers and Lebanon is to resolve all issues without taboos or bargaining.”
Al-Shaibani Highlights Opportunities and Progress
Al-Shaibani highlighted several significant opportunities in the region, in both Syria and Lebanon, "across all economic and investment areas.” He noted that the issues discussed “require in-depth discussion and technical committees to advance calm and stable relations and open the door to strategic partnerships,” noting progress on speeding up the release of Syrian detainees in Roumieh prison and plans for the dignified return of refugees to their homes. He also stressed the need to secure borders to enhance security and stability.
He added that joint security and intelligence coordination will be strengthened, and technical and economic committees will be established to boost cooperation in both private and public sectors.
“This is a historic and highly important visit for both parties,” al-Shaibani said.
“The relationship between Syria and Lebanon today is moving from the previous era under the former regime to a relationship based on respect between brothers and neighbors.”
