Syria’s foreign minister makes first visit to Beirut after Trump suggested Syria fights Hezbollah
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- Syria's foreign minister is making his first official visit to Beirut since President Donald Trump raised the possibility of Syrian intervention in Lebanon.
- The talks focus on bilateral ties, border security and weapons smuggling, with Damascus also signaling openness to meeting Hezbollah.
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani has arrived in Beirut for talks with Lebanese officials, marking his first official visit since US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of Syrian intervention in Lebanon.
According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA), Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed bilateral relations with al-Shibani and reaffirmed Beirut's support for closer coordination with Damascus on border security and efforts to combat weapons smuggling.
During a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, al-Shibani said Syria is open to holding talks with Hezbollah if such a meeting would be beneficial, according to the NNA.
The visit comes at a sensitive time after Trump suggested Syrian forces could confront Hezbollah. Damascus later clarified that any military intervention in Lebanon would take place only at the request of the Lebanese government.
