Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Lebanon on Thursday for a historic visit, meeting President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, according to Al Jazeera. The visit marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement between the two countries since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, whose government was supported by Hezbollah during the Syrian civil war.
New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa pledged a “new chapter” in relations, assuring that Damascus would not side with any one faction in Lebanon. “Al-Sharaa told me that a new chapter has been opened between the two countries, in which Syria will not stand with one party against another, but rather alongside all Lebanese,” Aoun stated during talks with al-Shaibani in Beirut, as per a Lebanese presidency statement.
Aoun reaffirmed Beirut’s commitment to “brotherly relations” based on cooperation, coordination, and non-interference in internal affairs. “We are keen on Syria's stability just as Syria is keen on Lebanon's stability,” he added.
Hezbollah and Border Security
The visit comes as the new Syrian government, composed of former rebel fighters who fought against Hezbollah during the war, navigates relations with the Iran-backed group. Al-Shaibani said Syria is open to meeting Hezbollah representatives “if interests require it,” according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
Damascus has insisted it does not want to intervene militarily in Lebanon despite pressure from the United States. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said Syria could “take care of Hezbollah” while criticizing Israel’s failure to destroy the group.
Economic Cooperation and Invitation
Al-Shaibani conveyed greetings from President al-Sharaa and extended a formal invitation for Aoun to visit Damascus. He said the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance coordination, particularly in the economic sphere.
Aoun welcomed the formation of a joint higher committee to safeguard the interests of both countries, and emphasized coordination on border security to prevent smuggling of people and weapons. “Syria's role will not be like it was in the past,” Aoun noted, citing assurances from al-Sharaa.
