Damascus: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed satisfaction following his visit to Syria with a ministerial delegation, where he met with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The visit included an expanded meeting with both Lebanese and Syrian officials after bilateral discussions.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Salam extended his gratitude to President Al-Sharaa for the warm reception and hospitality. From Damascus International Airport, Salam stated the visit aimed to enhance Lebanese-Syrian relations, emphasizing trust and mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests. Significant progress was made on unresolved issues, and Salam expressed confidence in achieving tangible results soon.

Salam highlighted the visit’s purpose: to further initiatives launched over a year ago and reinforce the importance of bilateral relations across all sectors and official institutions. He noted that strengthening state-to-state relations could lead to broader cooperation in economic, social, and cultural fields.

The discussions covered challenges facing both countries amidst evolving regional developments. The leaders agreed on the necessity of ongoing consultations for mutual benefit. Talks also addressed the transfer of convicted prisoners and efforts to resolve issues related to detainees, missing persons, and border control to prevent smuggling.

Salam emphasized the importance of dialogue to ensure the safe return of displaced Syrians and regulate Syrian labor in Lebanon. Discussions included land transport, rail connectivity, and resolving issues related to customs clearance and trade restrictions. Both sides expressed a commitment to removing obstacles affecting mutual interests, including export fees and transit charges.

An agreement was reached to establish a Lebanese-Syrian joint business council, with a meeting scheduled in Damascus soon. Additionally, talks focused on improving electricity interconnection to facilitate Lebanon’s power import from Syria and concluding a natural gas transit agreement.

Salam concluded by reiterating the commitment to continued political consultations and cooperation across various sectors, with plans to establish joint technical committees and enhance ministerial communication.