Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani announced on Thursday during his visit to Lebanon that Syria's relationship will be exclusively state-to-state with Lebanon.
Speaking at a press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, al-Shibani stated that the visit underscores Damascus's support for the Lebanese government and people in pursuit of a healthy relationship, adding, "We will continue working to overcome the legacy of the former Syrian regime's relationship with Lebanon."
He affirmed that the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel is "a Lebanese matter, and we hope for swift agreements that contribute to Lebanese stability."
Salam noted that he and Minister al-Shibani signed an agreement to establish a high-ranking Lebanese-Syrian committee to maintain and coordinate relations.
He emphasized the desire for a joint interest and mutual respect to define Syrian-Lebanese relations, which have been established at a record pace for the benefit of both nations.
Al-Shibani also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut.
The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations based on mutual respect and good neighborliness, fostering economic cooperation, and addressing regional and international developments of shared interest.
Additionally, al-Shibani met with Lebanese Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.
During their meeting, they exchanged views on a range of issues and files of mutual concern and discussed the latest regional developments.