Following his meeting with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani confirmed that “the discussion focused on ways to develop relations between Lebanon and Syria,” denying that “the issue of Hezbollah was raised during the meeting.”
In response to a question about the possibility of a meeting with Hezbollah, al-Shaibani said, “If the interest of the country warrants a meeting with Hezbollah, we are open to it,” emphasizing that “the discussion with Berri was limited to how to strengthen relations between the two countries.”
Al-Shaibani also met with PM Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serial in Beirut.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Premier Salam said, “We agreed to establish relations based on mutual interests. The purpose of the meeting with the Syrian Foreign Minister was to enhance cooperation in several areas, foremost among them electricity interconnection between Lebanon and Syria, as well as transport, the exchange of goods, facilitating cross-border movements, and further developing bilateral relations. We also finalized the signing of a joint Lebanese-Syrian committee to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.”
For his part, Al-Shaibani said, “My visit to Lebanon reflects Syria’s supportive stance toward Lebanon, its government and people. We signed the formation of the Higher Committee for Cooperation and Partnership with Lebanon. This framework will serve as a platform for all ministries to develop partnerships and security understandings. All we bring to Lebanon is goodwill and a commitment to overcoming the difficult legacy that has marked relations between our two countries.”
Regarding the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, Minister Shaibani said,”Syria’s official position rejects the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the displacement that has affected the Lebanese people. The issue of the framework agreement is a Lebanese matter, and we want there to be a calm dialogue on the issue. We support any political path that serves Lebanon’s interests and stability.”
President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, affirmed to Syrian Foreign Minister that “Lebanon remains committed to establishing fraternal relations between the two countries based on cooperation, coordination and mutual non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website