Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji stressed that “stability in Syria is very important for stability in Lebanon”. He also pointed out that a number of “common issues with Syria need to be addressed, including border demarcation, arms and drug smuggling, and terrorism”.
Rajji's remarks came at the close of a meeting of Syria's neighbors held in Jordan on Sunday. He described the speech by Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad el-Chibani as “encouraging”, and expressed hope that these positions would be implemented.
Chibani stressed the importance of strengthening joint investment and economic cooperation between Syria and neighboring countries in key areas. He emphasized the desire to pursue the “positive spirit” that prevailed at the meeting, in order to “strengthen joint action for a better future for the region and the world”.
Participating states discussed operational cooperation mechanisms to counter terrorism and illicit trafficking of all kinds. The talks also focused on the latest developments in Syria and on efforts to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country on foundations that guarantee its security, stability and unity.
In the aftermath of the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the security and political situation in Damascus has yet to stabilize. Tensions between the various components of society are such that many observers fear a deterioration of the situation on more than one level, at a time when the international community is calling for restraint.
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