Beirut: Interior and Municipalities Minister Ahmad Hajjar on Wednesday met Syrian Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Brig. Gen. Mulham Al-Shantout to discuss bilateral security cooperation and ways to strengthen coordination between the two countries. The meeting, attended by Syria's Charg© d'Affaires in Beirut Iyad Al-Hazzaa and senior Lebanese and Syrian security officials, reviewed relations between the two interior ministries and explored avenues for expanding cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, representatives of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces and General Security also joined part of the discussions. The two sides stressed the importance of enhancing direct communication channels and intelligence sharing, particularly in the fight against terrorism, to address common security challenges. They also reaffirmed the need to continue implementing the plan for the return of Syrian refugees to Syria in accordance with the agreed framework and existing coordination mechanisms.

Discussions further covered cooperation at border crossings and efforts to combat the cross-border smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people, with both sides emphasizing the need for closer operational coordination to tackle transnational crime. The Lebanese and Syrian delegations agreed to maintain regular communication and hold periodic meetings to follow up on the implementation of the understandings reached and translate them into practical measures serving the mutual interests of both countries.