PM Salam in Damascus: Progress on key Lebanon-Syria issues and agreement to deepen cooperation across security, economy and borders

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus that the visit marked significant progress in addressing pending issues between the two countries and strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual respect, sovereignty and shared interests.

Salam said he and the accompanying Lebanese delegation held expanded talks with Syrian officials following a meeting with Sharaa, thanking the Syrian president for the warm welcome and hospitality.

He said the visit aimed not only to follow up on previous discussions over the past year, but also to launch new joint initiatives and reinforce state-to-state cooperation across all sectors, stressing that stronger official ties would encourage wider economic, social and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Salam said discussions focused on regional developments and challenges facing both Lebanon and Syria, with both sides agreeing on the importance of continued consultation.

The two sides also discussed implementing the agreement on transferring convicted Syrian prisoners from Lebanese prisons to Syria, addressing the issue of detained Syrians, and uncovering the fate of missing and forcibly disappeared persons in both countries.

Salam said both countries stressed the need for stricter border control measures and combating smuggling in all forms, in addition to improving border crossings and facilitating the movement of people and goods.

He added that talks also covered continued coordination to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees and regulate Syrian labor in Lebanon.

The discussions included transportation and infrastructure issues, including trucks, public transport, taxis, railway links, border crossings and bridges. Salam said both sides reviewed urgent needs related to reopening and operating border bridges and addressing inspection and customs procedures that have disrupted trade flows.

The Lebanese prime minister said discussions also tackled export and transit fees, with both sides agreeing to strengthen cooperation on standards, technical specifications and laboratory testing, while expanding bilateral economic and trade ties, including preferential trade and investment opportunities.

Salam announced plans to accelerate the launch of a joint Lebanese-Syrian business council, with a meeting expected to be held in Damascus in the coming weeks.

He also said talks addressed improving electricity interconnection to facilitate Lebanon’s import of electricity through Syria, as well as a natural gas transit agreement, with efforts underway to move forward on both issues as soon as possible.

Salam concluded by saying Lebanon and Syria would continue political consultations and expand cooperation through joint technical committees and increased ministerial-level coordination.