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Lebanese PM Salam holds key talks in New York with Syria, Russia and UAE
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with officials from Syria, Russia and the UAE in New York to discuss maintaining an international presence in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL and enhancing regional cooperation. Salam also said Lebanon wanted to advance domestic reforms and the restoration of its sovereignty together.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held separate meetings on Wednesday in New York, where he was attending meetings of the United Nations General Assembly, with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UAE Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy.
The Lebanese Prime Minister's Office said the meetings addressed bilateral relations and regional developments, as well as the path to be followed in southern Lebanon after the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends.
Call for an international presence in southern Lebanon
During his meeting with Sergey Lavrov, Salam discussed strengthening Lebanon-Russia relations and the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. The two sides addressed the importance of maintaining an international presence in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL's mandate is completed.
The Lebanese prime minister said the international presence would contribute to preserving stability, ensure the continuation of observation, reporting and communication tasks, and strengthen the authority of the Lebanese state across its territory.
Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2790, adopted in August 2025, UNIFIL's mandate was extended for the final time until December 31, 2026. After that date, the force is expected to withdraw gradually, orderly and safely over one year, while the Lebanese government is to be the sole party responsible for security in southern Lebanon.
A new chapter in relations with Syria
Meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Salam said Lebanon wanted to open a new chapter in its relations with Syria. Salam said they aimed to develop ties between the two countries on the basis of trust, non-interference in internal affairs and common interests.
The meeting also addressed a review of agreements signed between the two countries. The work is expected to prepare for the first meeting of the Lebanon-Syria Higher Joint Committee, which was agreed to be established in Beirut. The meeting is planned for the beginning of next month or the following month.
Salam and al-Sharaa also discussed developing regional connectivity projects in electricity, railways and energy. Lebanon and Syria have continued their contacts since August to improve transport and logistics services and increase commercial activity.
Digital transformation partnership with the UAE
The meeting with Reem Al Hashimy focused on advancing Lebanon-UAE cooperation in digital transformation and the development of public services.
The meeting also addressed benefiting from the UAE's experience in digitizing procedures and simplifying bureaucratic processes. The cooperation aims to shorten the time needed to complete procedures and improve services provided to citizens. Al Hashimy said the UAE was ready to support Lebanon and share its experience in this field.
Lebanon's reform and sovereignty goals
In remarks during his visit to New York, Salam said they wanted to advance domestic reforms and the restoration of sovereignty together in order to build a “new Lebanon.”
Prime Minister Salam said they did not want a vacuum to emerge in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL completes its mission at the end of the year. Salam said a possible force made up of European countries had been discussed and stated that any international force operating in the south must act within the framework of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
At the time of these meetings, Lebanon was going through a sensitive security and political process involving discussions on strengthening the army's capacity, the future of the international military presence in the south, Israel's presence in parts of Lebanese territory and Hezbollah's weapons.
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