Najib Mikati (left) and Ahmad Al-Sharaa (right)
What did Syria’s new leader discuss with Lebanese PM?
Syria’s new leader, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, has emphasized that his administration will maintain an equal distance from all Lebanese factions and underscored the importance of strengthening ties between Syria and Lebanon.
"Our priority is to stabilize the internal situation, ensure security, and centralize all weapons under state control," Al-Sharaa stated, adding that Syria's relationship with Lebanon would be strategic, long-term, and based on solid foundations.
Expressing his hopes for the re-election of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Al-Sharaa assured Syria’s readiness to support Lebanon’s stability.
During the meeting, Mikati reaffirmed Lebanon’s support for the aspirations of the Syrian people. "As long as Syria is well, Lebanon is well," he remarked, highlighting the deep ties between the two nations.
The discussion also addressed key regional challenges and the potential resolution of the Syrian refugee crisis. Mikati noted Sharaa’s willingness to collaborate on addressing this critical issue.
The meeting took place at the People's Palace in Damascus, where Sharaa, along with Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybani, welcomed the high-ranking Lebanese delegation.
The Lebanese delegation included Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Acting Director General of General Security Major General Elias Baysari, Army Intelligence Chief Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji, and Deputy Director General of State Security Brigadier General Hassan Shaqir.
On the Syrian side, Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaybani, Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, and Sharaa’s Chief of Staff, Ali Kadah, attended the discussions.
Mikati’s visit to Syria, which marks his first official trip under the new Syrian administration, is part of efforts to boost bilateral relations and address shared concerns.
The visit reflects renewed cooperation between Lebanon and Syria following the ousting of Bashar Assad and the establishment of the new Syrian administration.
