Intergovernmental coordination in relations between Lebanon and Syria has reached an advanced level. Lebanon’s Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri said relations between the two countries were developing gradually.
Speaking at a dinner hosted in Beirut on Tuesday evening in honor of the Syrian ministerial delegation, Mitri said relations should advance on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and common interests of both countries. The Lebanese official also said direct communication between the two countries’ ministries and relevant institutions had expanded.
Goal of institutional cooperation
Describing the Syrian delegation’s visit as a new step in bilateral relations, Mitri said the two countries had moved from a period focused on urgent issues toward more regular and sustainable institutional cooperation.
The two countries aim to develop cooperation in the fields of the economy, trade, energy, transport, agriculture, health, education and tourism.
Damascus sends partnership message to Lebanon
Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Muhammad Shaar said the ministerial delegation’s visit to Beirut demonstrated in practice the level reached by relations between Lebanon and Syria. Shaar said relations between the two neighboring countries were returning to their natural course within a framework of broad common interests and ties.
Shaar said Syria viewed Lebanon as a key partner and noted that they aimed to develop intergovernmental and economic cooperation, away from the complexities of previous periods.
Regional backdrop to the Beirut visit
The Syrian ministerial delegation arrived in Lebanon on Tuesday evening to attend the Lebanon-Syria Investment Forum, held in the capital Beirut on Wednesday.
Following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad administration, relations between Beirut and Damascus began to develop through reciprocal visits by officials. These visits included that of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to Lebanon at the beginning of July.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also made his second visit to Syria in May. During his contacts following his first visit on April 14, 2025, Salam discussed with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa strengthening bilateral relations, developing economic and trade cooperation, and regional and international developments.
At a government meeting held after the visit, Salam called for the establishment of a joint higher committee between Lebanon and Syria. He said they wanted to place relations between Lebanon and Syria on a firm foundation based on common interests.
