| Nawaf Salam from Damascus: A New Page Based on Mutual Respect |
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PM Nawaf Salam from Damascus: A New Page Based on Mutual Respect
15/04/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: During an hours-long visit, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and a number of senior Syrian officials in Damascus today (Monday).
Salam arrived at the head of a ministerial delegation that included Foreign Minister Youssef Rjei, Defense Minister Michel Mansi, and Interior Minister Ahmed Hajjar. According to the Lebanese government, border control with Syria was discussed, starting with the Jeddah meeting, sponsored by Saudi Arabia.
Salam explained that "the visit aims to open a new page in relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect, restoring trust, good neighborliness, preserving the sovereignty of our two countries, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, because Syria's decision is for the Syrians, and Lebanon's decision is for the Lebanese."
During the meetings, security issues were discussed, most notably border control and crossings, preventing smuggling, and completing the process of demarcating the land and maritime borders, which began at the Jeddah meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, sponsored by Saudi Arabia. The two sides also stressed the need to enhance security coordination to preserve the stability of both countries. The talks also addressed the issue of Syrian refugees, emphasizing the need to ensure their safe and dignified return with the assistance of the United Nations and sister and friendly countries.
The Lebanese side discussed with Syrian officials the fate of missing and detained Lebanese in Syria and demanded the extradition of individuals wanted in prominent cases, including the bombing of the Al-Taqwa and Al-Salam mosques.
Economically, the two sides discussed the opening of trade and transit routes, the import of oil and gas, and the activation of civil aviation. Joint agreements were also discussed, particularly the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, amid a move to review and update them in line with current developments.
The two sides agreed to form a ministerial committee comprising the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Interior, and Justice to follow up on issues of mutual interest. The Ministries of Economy, Public Works and Transport, Social Affairs, and Energy will continue discussions on other issues.
The two sides stressed the importance of preserving Syria's unity and lifting sanctions, which would enable reconstruction and open up prospects for bilateral cooperation, particularly with regard to the return of refugees and facilitating Lebanese exports. The visit began with an extended meeting between the two delegations, followed by an official lunch, and then a private meeting between Presidents Salam and Sharaa that lasted more than half an hour. At the conclusion of the visit, President Salam extended an official invitation to President Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to visit Lebanon.
The visit comes five months after the overthrow of the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad, and within the framework of the outcomes of the Jeddah meeting, which was held under the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on March 28. The meeting resulted in several outcomes and agreements between the two countries.
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