Al-Shaibani says Syria rejects attacks on Lebanon, seeks new chapter in relations
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad al-Shaibani, said on Thursday that Damascus firmly rejects all attacks on Lebanon, describing his second official visit to Beirut as a reflection of Syria’s support and solidarity with the Lebanese government and people.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, al-Shaibani announced the formal establishment of the Supreme Committee for Cooperation and Partnership between Syria and Lebanon.
He said the committee would serve as a platform bringing together relevant ministries to expand economic, investment and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Al-Shaibani added that the body would also broaden security coordination and strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
The minister stressed that stronger ties between Damascus and Beirut would help reduce regional instability and conflict.
Separately, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had repeatedly assured him that Syria’s role in Lebanon will not be the same as it was in the past.
According to Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, Aoun said during his meeting with al-Shaibani in Beirut that al-Sharaa had confirmed that Syria will not side with one Lebanese party against another, but will stand alongside all Lebanese.
Aoun said Lebanon is committed to Syria’s stability just as Syria supports Lebanon’s stability.
He also welcomed the establishment of the joint Supreme Committee, saying it would help safeguard the interests of both countries.
The Lebanese president added that he was encouraged by the level of coordination between the two sides, particularly on border security, preventing the smuggling of people and weapons, and addressing activities that threaten the security of either country.