Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa concluded high-level talks in Damascus on Monday, agreeing to form a joint ministerial committee to address several long-standing bilateral issues, in what was described as a “very positive” atmosphere.
Salam arrived at Damascus International Airport around 1:30 PM, accompanied by a ministerial delegation including Minister of Defense Michel Menassa, Minister of Interior Ahmad al-Hajjar and Minister of Foreign Affairs Youssef Rajji. The Lebanese delegation was received at the Presidential Palace by President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Asaad Al-Shaibani.
The discussions began with an expanded meeting between the two delegations, followed by a formal luncheon held in honor of the Lebanese officials. A private meeting between Salam and al-Sharaa lasted more than 30 minutes.
Following the talks, Salam told Saudi media outlet Al Hadath that the visit marked “a new chapter” in Lebanese-Syrian relations. “We agreed on a framework of good neighborliness and mutual non-interference—Syria’s decision is for Syrians, and Lebanon’s for the Lebanese,” he said.
Key issues discussed included border control, with both sides agreeing to combat smuggling and move toward formal demarcation based on the so-called Jeddah route. Enhanced security coordination was also agreed upon to ensure stability along the border.
The return of Syrian refugees was a central focus. “We discussed facilitating safe returns in cooperation with the United Nations and friendly countries,” Salam told Al Hadath.
The PM also raised the issue of untried Syrian detainees in Lebanon and requested Syria’s assistance in resolving several legal files, including the fate of missing Lebanese citizens and the extradition of suspects linked to the 2013 Al-Taqwa and Al-Salam mosque bombings.
Discussions also covered the reassessment of bilateral agreements and the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, as well as civil aviation cooperation.
“We support the unity of Syria and believe it is time to reconsider the sanctions affecting its people,” Salam added.
According to LBCI channel, the newly established joint committee will begin work immediately, though no official timeline has been set.
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