Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani arrived in Lebanon on Friday, marking the first senior visit from Damascus since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Shaibani met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, discussing a wide range of issues aimed at revitalizing bilateral relations between the two neighbors.

According to a statement issued by the presidency, Aoun said Lebanon is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Syria in political, economic, and security fields in ways that ensure stability in both nations. He emphasized that the deepening of bilateral relations should be pursued through joint committees tasked with reviewing all existing agreements, “many of which need to be reexamined and reassessed.”

Referring to Syria’s move to suspend the Higher Council’s work, Aoun said the step required “revitalizing diplomatic relations” between the two countries.

“We are waiting, in this context, for the appointment of a new Syrian ambassador to Lebanon to follow up on all matters through the embassies in Damascus and Beirut,” he said.

Aoun stressed that Lebanon and Syria must move beyond the tensions of the past.

“We have a long road ahead of us,” he told the visiting FM. “When intentions are sincere, the interests of our two brotherly nations rise above all other considerations. We have no option but to agree on what serves these interests.”

The Lebanese president noted improvements in security conditions along the Lebanese-Syrian border and said pending issues, including the demarcation of land and maritime borders, the gas pipeline, and the file of detainees, would be studied “from the perspective of mutual benefit.” He recalled having previously discussed these issues with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in meetings held in Cairo and Doha.

“The region has had its fill of wars and squandered resources that should have been invested so that our peoples can live in dignity after so much suffering and instability,” Aoun stressed.

For his part, Shaibani said that all topics had been placed on the table for discussion, emphasizing a forward-looking approach. He conveyed greetings from President Al-Sharaa and thanked Aoun for the warm welcome, underscoring the “historic ties” binding the two nations. 

“We want to move beyond the past and establish open relations that bring positive outcomes and benefits to both sides," he said.

Shaibani called for expanded cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade sectors, noting that Lebanon could benefit from “the positive developments following the lifting of sanctions on Syria.” He reiterated Syria’s respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and expressed his country’s readiness to discuss any pending issue “whether economic or security-related.”

The Syrian FM highlighted his country's ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts, noting that these developments “should have a positive impact on Lebanon and on the brotherly and historical relations between our two countries.”

Shaibani also expressed optimism that “all obstacles standing in the way of closer relations between Lebanon and Syria will be resolved in a way that benefits both peoples.”

He thanked Lebanon for hosting Syrian refugees during the country’s years of conflict, and outlined plans for their return.

“We expect progress on the Syrian refugee issue and are working toward their return from Lebanon under an international plan for a dignified and sustainable process that addresses Syria’s post-war situation. We have also extended an invitation to President Aoun to visit Syria.”

Later, Shaibani headed to the Grand Serail for talks with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. 

Parallel meetings were held between Lebanese General Security chief Maj. Gen. Hassan Shukeir and Syria’s Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs Maj. Gen. Abdel Qader Tahan, while Lebanese Army Intelligence head Brig. Gen. Tony Qahwaji held talks with his Syrian counterpart Hussein Salameh.

Earlier, Shaibani began his diplomatic meetings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beirut, holding a bilateral session with his Lebanese counterpart, Youssef Rajji, ahead of broader talks involving the full Lebanese and Syrian delegations.

"Our visit today reflects a new approach by Syria toward Lebanon, a country we deeply respect and value," Shaibani said after the meeting. "We want to move past the obstacles and mistakes of the past, which affected us as well. We respect our sovereignty and do not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs. There is a political and economic opportunity, and we aim to take our relationship with Lebanon to a new, more constructive phase."

For his part, Rajji announced a major development in the bilateral framework between the two countries, signaling a structural shift in how Lebanon and Syria will manage their relations going forward.

"I bring good news to the Lebanese people: the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council has been suspended and, God willing, will soon be officially dissolved. Minister Shaibani and I have agreed to set up committees to address all outstanding issues, and from now on, relations between Lebanon and Syria will be conducted directly through official diplomatic channels.

Shaibani arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport earlier Friday, leading a delegation that included Head of Syrian Intelligence Hassan Al-Salama, Assistant Interior Minister Major General Abdelkader Tahan, Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais and other senior officials.

At the airport, he was received by Roula Noureddine, Director of Protocol at the Lebanese Foreign Ministry, Consul Rodrigue Khoury, and Ali Daghman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon.