Kataeb leader, Sami Gemayel, facing the chargé d’affaires of the Syrian embassy in Lebanon, Iyad al-Hazza, in Beirut on May 22, 2026. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — The chargé d’affaires of the Syrian embassy in Lebanon, Iyad al-Hazza, met on Friday with Kataeb party leader Sami Gemayel at the party’s headquarters in Beirut as part of a ''courtesy visit,'' according to a statement.
On the occasion, Gemayel called for ''rebuilding healthy political, economic and diplomatic relations between the two countries'' and for engaging with Syria’s new leadership in order to strengthen bilateral ties. Kataeb MP Elias Hankash was also present.
The visit comes four days after the Syrian diplomat met another prominent Christian opposition figure to Hezbollah, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea. Talks similarly focused on ''ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Lebanon and Syria,'' according to a statement issued after that meeting.
In May, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Syria at the head of a ministerial delegation, aiming to advance efforts to bring the two countries closer together amid a tense regional context. The new leadership in Damascus, which came to power after overthrowing Bashar al-Assad, is closely monitoring Hezbollah with concern.
Since that visit, Hazza has also traveled to Baabda to meet with President Joseph Aoun, as well as to the Grand Serail.
Humanitarian convoy reaches Rmeish, Ain Ibl, Dibil despite obstacles
