Syria and Lebanon make significant progress' at talks on joint interests

"In Damascus, Lebanese prime minister and Syrian president discuss issues including security, transport and energy. The leaders of Lebanon and Syria have concluded talks in Damascus focused on joint interests, as both countries pursue a rapprochement following the overthrow of longtime Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, almost 18 months ago."

"On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said significant progress had been made in the discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which covered security, transport, infrastructure, and economic matters. The trip marks Salam's second official visit to the neighbouring country since al-Assad was overthrown during a major offensive led by opposition forces under al-Sharaa."

"The talks also covered the release of Syrian prisoners held in overcrowded Lebanese jails. More than 2,000 Syrians are currently detained in Lebanon. Some are accused of terrorism, while others allegedly attacked the Lebanese army. Al-Sharaa has made their release a priority. We discussed continuing efforts to address the issue of detained Syrians [in Lebanon] and to uncover the fate of the missing and forcibly detained in both countries, said Salam."

"Salam said the talks also focused on strengthening cooperation and deepening ties between the two countries through collaboration on economic, social and cultural issues. The Lebanese and Syrian governments both oppose the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, which holds significant influence in Lebanon and is currently engaged in a war with Israel."

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held talks in Damascus covering security, transport, infrastructure, and economic matters. Salam said significant progress was made and that the discussions supported a broader rapprochement between the two countries following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad almost 18 months earlier. The talks also addressed the release of Syrian prisoners held in overcrowded Lebanese jails, where more than 2,000 Syrians are detained. Salam said efforts would continue to address detained Syrians and to uncover the fate of missing and forcibly detained people in both countries. More than 130 Syrian prisoners were transferred from Lebanon to Syria in March to serve the remainder of their sentences. Cooperation was also planned across economic, social, and cultural issues.

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