The Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, during a meeting at the Serail on April 9, 2025. (Credit: Office of the Prime Minister)
BEIRUT — Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is scheduled to visit Syria on Monday for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, marking the first official visit by Lebanon’s new government since the fall of the Assad regime and the formation of a new Syrian cabinet in late March.
Salam confirmed the trip during a brief address Sunday after laying a wreath at Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of Lebanon’s Civil War.
“This commemoration has taught us — and continues to teach us — that we must not repeat the suffering our peoples have endured,” he said. From the symbolic site that “has always united the Lebanese,” Salam added that “it is the state’s responsibility to address the issue of the missing and kidnapped in Syria seriously and transparently.”
He said the topic has gained new urgency since Bashar al-Assad was overthrown Dec. 8 by a coalition of rebel factions. “I hope to return with good news about the [Lebanese] missing in Syria and will say more about this tomorrow,” he added.
Salam will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Rajji, Defense Minister Michel Menassah and Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar.
Saudi backing and regional stakes
The visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and shared challenges for Beirut and Damascus, particularly amid rising Israeli military pressure that both governments are seeking to contain.
According to L’Orient-Le Jour, Salam’s visit has the backing of Saudi Arabia. During a recent visit to Riyadh in early April, where Salam attended Eid al-Fitr prayers alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Syrian affairs were reportedly discussed — including border demarcation, smuggling and regional stability.
Last month, the Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers, Michel Menassa and Morhaf Abou Qasra, signed a security cooperation agreement in Saudi Arabia, focusing on military coordination along the shared border. A prior visit by Menassa to Damascus had been postponed indefinitely by the Syrian side due to preparations for the new government.
European countries have also stepped up their involvement, with several European ambassadors in Beirut now overseeing their nations’ diplomatic relations with Syria. Joint Saudi and Western efforts are underway to ease sanctions, deliver humanitarian aid, and encourage investment in Syria — all aimed at improving conditions for refugee repatriation and post-conflict recovery.
Resetting bilateral relations
Salam’s visit is expected to lay the groundwork for a new phase in Lebanese-Syrian relations, aimed at correcting past missteps, respecting national sovereignty, and avoiding interference.
The agenda includes exploring agreements on investment, trade, and infrastructure, such as restarting transit lines, oil and gas projects, and border stabilization. The visit is also expected to pave the way for future visits by Lebanese ministers to Damascus to discuss bilateral issues.
A new ministerial commission is expected to be formed to address the Syrian refugee file and coordinate returns. Lebanon has already set up a task force, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, to implement a plan for the return of 400,000 Syrians.
Also on the table: the possible dissolution of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council of Cooperation, revision of bilateral agreements, reinforcement of cross-border trade, border demarcation — under a Saudi-supported initiative — and a proposal to form a joint commission to investigate the fate of Lebanese detainees and missing persons in Syrian prisons.
In return, Lebanon would commit to accelerating trials for Syrian detainees held in Lebanese custody.
