Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani, during a press conference in Damascus, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Credit: AFP)
BEIRUT — Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shaibani began meetings with Lebanese leaders Thursday morning with a visit to the Baabda Presidential Palace.
Shaibani was received by President Joseph Aoun at around 9 a.m. He is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Foreign Minister Joe Rajji, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and several religious leaders.
According to information obtained by L'Orient Today, the visit is intended to advance Lebanese-Syrian relations, support stability in both countries and promote broader Arab regional integration. It also aims to reassure Lebanese officials that Damascus has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon, in line with calls made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to the same information, Shaibani is expected to deliver a message from Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Berri, emphasizing that Damascus has sought, from the outset, to open a new chapter with Lebanon based on cooperation, mutual respect for sovereignty and stronger bilateral ties. The message is also expected to stress the importance of seizing the opportunity to elevate relations between the two countries.
The talks are also expected to focus on strengthening security coordination along the Lebanese-Syrian border, enhancing efforts to combat smuggling, safeguarding the security of both countries, and eliminating any destabilizing elements operating along the frontier.
