Beirut, July 2 (SANA) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani’s visit to Beirut reflected a shared commitment to building healthy bilateral relations based on mutual respect, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs and cooperation through official state institutions.
According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun told a delegation from the Maronite League that al-Shaibani’s visit helped reassure some Lebanese who had expressed concerns over possible Syrian interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs.
He said the Syrian delegation emphasized that relations between the two countries should be conducted through their official constitutional institutions rather than through political groups or parties, reaffirming a state-to-state approach to bilateral cooperation.
Aoun added that Lebanon remains committed to maintaining fraternal relations with Syria through cooperation and coordination that serve the interests and stability of both countries.
The Lebanese president also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to preserving its sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying negotiations remain the preferred path to securing Lebanon’s rights and achieving the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
During his visit to Beirut, al-Shaibani held talks with President Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Syria and Lebanon also signed an agreement establishing the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Committee, a joint ministerial body tasked with strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors.
R.H/Abd
