Beirut, July 2 (SANA) Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam agreed on Thursday to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and establish a joint ministerial committee during talks in Beirut.
The two sides stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of both countries and discussed ways to enhance cooperation across economic and other sectors, according to statements issued after the meeting.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Salam said the talks focused on strengthening economic relations, including electricity interconnection, the transport and exchange of goods, and facilitating the movement of people between Syria and Lebanon.
“Today, we finalized an agreement to establish a joint Syrian-Lebanese Higher Committee comprising ministers from both countries. The committee will meet regularly to strengthen bilateral cooperation,” Salam said.
Al-Shaibani said the committee would provide a framework for expanding economic cooperation and strengthening security coordination between the two countries.
“Our partnership with Lebanon will provide a platform for expanding economic cooperation and strengthening security coordination between our two countries,” he said.
He described the visit to Beirut as a reflection of Syria’s support for Lebanon and its commitment to developing closer ties.
“Our visit reflects Syria’s support for Lebanon and our commitment to building a healthy and constructive relationship between our two countries,” al-Shaibani said.
“We extend our friendship and goodwill to Lebanon and are committed to building relations that move beyond the difficult legacy endured by the people of both countries,” he added.
Al-Shaibani also reaffirmed Syria’s support for Lebanon’s stability, saying Damascus rejects Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory.
“Syria rejects all Israeli aggressions against Lebanon, including shelling and forced displacement, and supports the Lebanese state in its efforts to achieve stability,” he said.
He added that President Ahmad al-Sharaa had instructed the Syrian delegation to pursue closer relations with the Lebanese state.
“The message entrusted to us by President Ahmad al-Sharaa is that we believe in Lebanon in all its diversity and seek to build a direct relationship with the official Lebanese state,” al-Shaibani said.
On the issue of Syrians detained in Lebanon, al-Shaibani said a judicial process was underway and expressed hope that it would lead to their transfer to Syria.
“Regarding Syrian prisoners and detainees in Lebanon, a judicial process is underway, and we hope it will lead to the transfer of all of them to Syria,” he said.
During the visit, al-Shaibani and Salam signed an agreement in Beirut establishing the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Committee, a joint ministerial body aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
ABD
