Damascus: Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam engaged in discussions on Monday aimed at revitalizing the relationship between their two countries. This meeting took place at the People's Palace in Damascus, where Al-Sharaa welcomed Salam and his delegation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Salam expressed on his X account that the purpose of his visit was to foster a respectful exchange and restore confidence in the diplomatic ties between Syria and Lebanon. The discussions underscored a mutual commitment to non-interference in each other's domestic affairs, with a focus on enhancing border security to combat smuggling and advancing the demarcation of maritime and land borders-a process initiated in Jeddah with the involvement of defense ministers from both nations.
The leaders also addressed the complex issue of the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, with support from the United Nations and allied countries. Another critical topic was the plight of missing and detained Lebanese citizens in Syria, alongside the extradition of individuals wanted for various crimes in Lebanon. These include those responsible for the bombings of the Al-Taqwa and Al-Salam mosques and the assassination of President Bashir Gemayel, among other crimes attributed to the former regime.
The meeting also featured discussions on economic collaboration, exploring opportunities to enhance trade and transit routes, as well as cooperation in oil and gas extraction and civil aviation.