Syria and Lebanon Make Significant Progress in Joint Interests Talks

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday to discuss joint interests between the two countries. The talks focused on security, transport, infrastructure, and economic matters.

Salam stated that significant progress was made during the discussions, which covered issues such as the release of Syrian prisoners held in Lebanese jails. Over 2,000 Syrians are currently detained in Lebanon, with some accused of terrorism or attacking the Lebanese army. Al-Sharaa has prioritized their release, and more than 130 Syrian prisoners were transferred from Lebanon to Syria in March.

The meeting also addressed strengthening cooperation and deepening ties between the two countries through collaboration on economic, social, and cultural issues. Both governments oppose the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, which holds significant influence in Lebanon. The Lebanese government has pledged to disarm the group, but the task remains challenging.

Salam’s visit marks his second official trip to Syria since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2021. The talks focused on re-establishing relations between the two countries and discussing regional issues, particularly in the context of the wider war. Border and security concerns were a priority for both leaders.

The meeting comes as Lebanon prepares for another round of direct talks with Israel in Washington next week. Salam emphasized the importance of reinforcing the current ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which was brokered by Washington. The truce has been in effect since mid-April, but Israel has repeatedly carried out attacks across Lebanon, prompting concerns about its adherence to the agreement.

The discussions also covered the issue of detained Syrians in Lebanon and the fate of missing persons in both countries. Salam stated that the talks present an opportunity to end the decades-old conflict between Lebanon and Syria.

Source: Al Jazeera