Syrian FM Arrives in Lebanon in First Official Visit Since Assad’s Overthrow

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani arrived in Beirut on Friday, in his first official visit to Lebanon after the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad, according to AFP.

Al-Shaibani’s visit seeks to strengthen the Syrian-Lebanese relations and begin a new Syrian approach toward Lebanon, involving respect for its sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs.

The Assad regime had dominated Lebanese affairs for decades and was accused of orchestrating the assassinations of multiple Lebanese officials who were against his rule.

“Together with Lebanon, we want to overcome the obstacles of the past,” Al-Shaibani told a press conference with his counterpart Youssef Raggi.

Notably, the agenda of the meeting features key issues such as the fate of Syrian prisoners in Lebanese jails and the demarcation of the porous 330-kilometer (205-mile) border, that has been a hub for smuggling activities.

Lebanon has long been a haven for over a million Syrians who fled the civil war.

However, the United Nations refugee agency revealed that more than 294,000 have returned to Syria so far this year.

In the light of this, Al-Shaibani said that both nations would resolve the refugee issue gradually following a significant meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

“There are plans that we are discussing now, with international support, for the dignified and stable return” of refugees, he said.

In March, the defense ministers of both Lebanon and Syria signed a deal to strengthen border security following the clashes that led to the death of 10 people.

Related Topics:

Syria to Vote for New Parliament Amid Fierce Inclusivity Doubts

One Million Syrian Refugees Return Home Since Assad’s Fall: UN

Syria’s Al-Sharaa Meets US State Secretary Rubio in New York