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Egypt, Syria Boost Rapprochement Through Reconstruction, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
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Egypt, Syria Boost Rapprochement Through Reconstruction, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty with his Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani during a meeting in New York last September. (Egyptian Foreign Ministry)

Egypt and Syria are seeking to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand economic and trade partnerships, following a series of visits and meetings at various levels in recent weeks.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed his country’s “commitment to actively contributing to efforts to rebuild Syria.”

In a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaibani, he highlighted the importance of building on the results of a recent visit by an Egyptian economic delegation to Damascus and following up on its outcomes in a way that serves the interests of both countries, according to a statement Thursday by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

In January, Damascus hosted the first Egyptian-Syrian Economic and Investment Forum, with the participation of 26 leaders from Egyptian chambers of commerce and the business community. The forum aimed to establish effective partnerships between the two countries’ commercial institutions and explore prospects for cooperation in trade, industry, services, infrastructure and reconstruction.

The Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce said the forum sought to create Syrian-Egyptian-European alliances through the Union of Mediterranean Chambers, as well as to promote Syrian exports to Africa via the Federation of African Chambers.

During their call, Abdelatty and Shaibai also discussed ways to advance and develop bilateral relations across various fields, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.

Meanwhile, Syria’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar met with Egypt’s chargé d’affaires in Damascus, Ambassador Osama Khadr, to discuss ways to develop economic relations and partnerships.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), the talks addressed opportunities to expand economic cooperation, boost trade exchange and enhance collaboration across multiple sectors.

Al-Shaar stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties between Syria and Egypt and activating areas of cooperation in a way that serves mutual interests and supports market activity in both countries.

Former Egyptian assistant foreign minister Youssef El-Sharkawy said Egyptian-Syrian rapprochement is primarily driven by economic considerations.

Existing trade agreements between the two countries need to be activated to enhance cooperation, he remarked, adding that Cairo has continued to support Damascus both politically and economically.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, El-Sharkawy said economic cooperation represents a key avenue for strengthening rapprochement and improving political understanding, particularly amid evolving regional dynamics that require ongoing coordination with all parties.

Egypt remains committed to supporting the stability and sovereignty of Syria and its neighbors, especially Lebanon, he stressed.

According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the call between Abdelatty and Shaibani also addressed the volatile regional situation amid escalating military tensions. Abdelatty pointed to Egyptian and regional efforts to contain tensions and de-escalate developments linked to Iran.

There has been progress in economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, according to Ayman El-Ashry, head of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, who noted that the Syrian government is offering significant incentives to Egyptian investors.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa also met with an Egyptian business delegation during its January visit to Damascus, expressing appreciation for Egypt’s support, including its hosting of Syrian refugees during its civil war.

The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding Syria at around $216 billion, including $75 billion for housing, $59 billion for non-residential buildings and $82 billion for infrastructure.

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Arab World

Hezbollah Says Clashed with Israeli Forces in Two South Lebanon Villages

A man checks a destroyed house that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Saksakiyeh village, south Lebanon, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
A man checks a destroyed house that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Saksakiyeh village, south Lebanon, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
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Hezbollah Says Clashed with Israeli Forces in Two South Lebanon Villages

A man checks a destroyed house that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Saksakiyeh village, south Lebanon, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
A man checks a destroyed house that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Saksakiyeh village, south Lebanon, Friday, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Hezbollah said Friday its members had clashed directly with Israeli forces in two south Lebanon villages, as Israeli airstrikes on several areas killed at least six people, according to the health ministry.

In a statement, Hezbollah said its fighters had clashed with "Israeli enemy army forces in the villages of Bayada and Shamaa at point-blank range with light and medium weapons," while also claiming responsibility for attacks on Israeli border towns and positions.

The coastal village of Bayada, adjacent to Shamaa, lies eight kilometres from the border with Israel, according to AFP.

Israeli forces are pushing into numerous towns in southern Lebanon, with officials saying they aim to create a security zone reaching the Litani River, some 30 kilometres from the border, to push Hezbollah back and protect northern Israeli communities.

On Friday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on several areas, particularly in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese state media.

One of the strikes, on the town of Saksakiyeh in the Sidon district, killed "four civilians and wounded eight others," in an initial toll reported by the health ministry.

At dawn, Israel had targeted the Tahouitet al-Ghadir area in Beirut's southern suburbs without prior warning, killing two people, according to the health ministry.

Israeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin said Friday that "Contrary to the declaration by the Lebanese government earlier this year - Hezbollah is still operating and conducting attacks from southern Lebanon."

"If the Lebanese government will not disarm Hezbollah, the (army) will," he said.

After nearly four weeks of war between Hezbollah and Israel, Nicolas Von Arx, regional director of the International Committee of the Red Cross, warned Friday that "the humanitarian situation is worsening and civilians, as usual, are paying the highest price" in Lebanon.

After meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, he said, "Civilians must be protected wherever they are, whether they remain in their homes or are forced to flee".

According to the authorities, the war has forced more than one million people to flee their homes, and more than a thousand people have been killed since the conflict began.

Arab World

Syrian President to Visit Berlin on Monday, Says German Govt

This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd-R) attending the early morning prayers for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Damascus on March 20, 2026. (SANA/AFP)
This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd-R) attending the early morning prayers for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Damascus on March 20, 2026. (SANA/AFP)
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Syrian President to Visit Berlin on Monday, Says German Govt

This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd-R) attending the early morning prayers for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Damascus on March 20, 2026. (SANA/AFP)
This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (2nd-R) attending the early morning prayers for Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Damascus on March 20, 2026. (SANA/AFP)

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will visit Germany on Monday for talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, a government spokesman in Berlin said.

"The chancellor will receive the president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the chancellery on Monday... for his inaugural visit," spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Friday.

Sharaa led opposition forces to overthrow longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

He has since made several overseas trips, including to the United States and France.

That has already led to a series of international sanctions on Syria being lifted.

Sharaa had initially been due to visit Germany in January, but the trip was postponed at a time of clashes between Syrian government troops and US-backed Kurdish fighters.

Sharaa will also take part in an economic forum where "high-ranking business and government representatives" will discuss "prospects for economic recovery and the reconstruction of Syria", a foreign ministry spokesman said.

"The long conflict in Syria has had a devastating impact on the Syrian economy," the German spokesman said, noting "widespread poverty among the population and the high financial requirements for reconstruction".

"With the lifting of numerous EU, UN and other sanctions following the end of the Assad regime, the foundations for (economic recovery) have been laid," he said.

Arab World

War between Hezbollah and Israel Deepens Fractures in Lebanon

A Hezbollah flag is placed in front of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, during a media tour in Chaat, Lebanon, March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo
A Hezbollah flag is placed in front of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, during a media tour in Chaat, Lebanon, March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo
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War between Hezbollah and Israel Deepens Fractures in Lebanon

A Hezbollah flag is placed in front of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, during a media tour in Chaat, Lebanon, March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo
A Hezbollah flag is placed in front of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, during a media tour in Chaat, Lebanon, March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo

War between Israel and Hezbollah is pushing Lebanon's fragile state and society towards breaking point, straining sectarian and political faultlines as Shi'ite Muslims are displaced and enmity deepens between the Iran-backed group and its opponents.

Of all Lebanon's many crises since a 1975-90 civil war, the renewed conflict ignited by the Iran war could be its most destabilizing, Lebanese analysts and figures from across the political spectrum say.

Israel has threatened Gaza-like destruction and an occupation of the south and there are acrid splits in Lebanon over Hezbollah's weapons, which the group has refused to give up despite a year-long effort by the state to disarm it peacefully, Reuters said.

Israeli bombardment and orders for people to leave have driven Hezbollah's Shi'ite constituents into Christian, Druze and other areas, where many blame the group for starting a war in support of Tehran only 15 months after the last one.

Local authorities are vetting displaced people seeking rented accommodation, fearing the presence of anyone who might be a target for Israel.

Tensions between Hezbollah and the government are worsening. The administration led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun has banned Hezbollah's military wing, called for talks with Israel and demanded Iran's ambassador leave.

Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qmati has compared the government to the Vichy France leaders sentenced to death for collaborating with Nazi Germany in World War Two.

"We are capable of turning the country upside down," he told a Lebanese media outlet although he later said his remarks were taken out of context.

Druze lawmaker Wael Abu Faour says internal tensions ‌are increasing because of political ‌divisions over the war and displacement and "the defiant rhetoric from more than one side".

"This exacerbates fears for internal stability," he said.

'TICKING BOMB'

More ‌than 1,000 ⁠people have ⁠been killed in Lebanon and over a million - more than a fifth of the population - have been displaced, most of them Shi'ite Muslims, since Hezbollah fired at Israel on March 2 and Israel hit back.

A foreign official said the displacement was straining communal ties and would be "a ticking bomb" if the displaced cannot go home.

Israel's military has ordered people to leave much of the south as well as Beirut's Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs and the group's heartlands in eastern Lebanon.

Israel's defense minister has said his country intends to create a "security zone" up to the Litani River, which meets the sea about 30 km (19 miles) north of the border with Israel. He has said hundreds of thousands of Shi'ites will not return south of the Litani until security is ensured for northern Israel.

Nadim Gemayel, a Christian lawmaker opposed to Hezbollah, expressed concern that Israel was deliberately pushing Shi'ites into other parts of Lebanon to create conflict with other communities.

Hezbollah has long been at odds with many other Lebanese factions and has an arsenal more potent than the army's.

During a brief civil war ⁠in 2008, when a Western-backed government tried to outlaw Hezbollah's communications network, Hezbollah fighters took over Beirut. The government backed down.

Gemayel said tension "already ‌exists, but the ignition hasn't happened yet, and I hope that it will never happen".

"If the Israelis stay long, very long ‌in the south, this will be catastrophic for everyone ... Lebanon cannot assimilate such a displacement of people," he said, urging the Lebanese government to "disarm Hezbollah and terminate this war".

In response to a request for comment on ‌the accusation Israel was seeking to stir sectarian tensions, an Israeli official did not directly address the question but said the only conflict in Lebanon was the one started by Hezbollah and ‌urged the country to eject the group.

The Israeli military said it was operating solely against Hezbollah, and that any allegations it was operating against a specific population were "false and misleading”.

However, an Israeli military official told Reuters that evacuation notices had been issued only to Shi'ite villages in Lebanon's south, and that Christian villages were still populated and not targeted by Israeli forces.

'SECTARIAN LOGIC'

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah said some Lebanese were dealing with the issue of displacement "with sectarian logic".

"We will overcome this phase because the displaced will return to their land and their homes as soon as the aggression ceases," he said.

Underlining tensions, residents of a predominantly Christian area north of Beirut brawled with ‌displaced people and demanded they leave on Tuesday when fragments of an Iranian ballistic missile intercepted over Lebanon fell onto the area.

Moves to establish a shelter for displaced in Beirut's Karantina district, in a predominantly Christian area near the port, prompted objections by Christian politicians. Salam ⁠later decreed the site would instead be used to ⁠store aid.

In the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Dekwaneh east of Beirut, about 2,000 displaced Shi'ites are sheltering in a vocational college.

Zeinab al-Meqdad, 50, said her family had encountered no problems in the neighborhood since fleeing her home in the southern suburbs on March 2.

Antoine Abu Aboud, a local official, said another 1,000 displaced were in hotels and rented accommodation in Dekwaneh.

"There is a war, and the situation is bigger than us. Today, we Lebanese must be patient with one another," he said.

He said the local council had tightened vetting of people seeking to rent, sending IDs to security forces for checks, saying residents feared anyone who could "represent a danger to their building or lives".

COEXISTENCE BETWEEN STATE AND HEZBOLLAH ARMS ENDING?

Divisions in Lebanese society are mirrored in the state, which has also been shaken by the fallout of the war.

Hezbollah held decisive sway over the state until being pummeled by Israel in 2024. After that conflict, the government sought to disarm it, but the many rockets fired by Hezbollah since March 2, and its rapid deployment of fighters back to the south, have shaken confidence in the state at home and abroad.

Hezbollah believes the government will ultimately retreat from decisions including the banning of its military wing.

"All the measures taken by the government will be reversed when Israel fails to achieve its objectives," Fadlallah said. "When we finish confronting this aggression, we, as Lebanese, will address our internal problems."

Israeli officials have indicated Israel's offensive will continue beyond the Iran war, and much hinges on what happens in the broader conflict.

A 15-point US proposal for ending the war includes Iran cutting off funding for allies such as Hezbollah, according to Israeli cabinet sources. Iran has indicated that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire.

Christian lawmaker Alain Aoun said Lebanon was in a transitional phase, with the final terms to be determined by the war.

"The coexistence between the state and Hezbollah arms which we witnessed for decades is nearing its end in one way or another, with all the potential repercussions for society and the political system," he said.