Syria and Lebanon ‘making significant progress’ in talks on joint interests | Political Affairs

In Damascus, the Lebanese prime minister and the Syrian president discuss security, transport and energy.

The leaders of Lebanon and Syria have concluded talks in Damascus that focus on the interests of unity, as the two countries pursue reconciliation after the removal of the former Syrian president, Bashar al-Assadabout 18 months ago.

On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said “significant progress” had been made in talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which covered security, transport, infrastructure, and the economy.

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The visit is Salam’s second visit to the neighboring country since al-Assad was defeated in a major war led by opposition groups led by al-Sharaa.

The talks also included the release of Syrian prisoners held in overcrowded prisons in Lebanon. More than 2,000 Arameans he is currently under arrest in Lebanon. Some are accused of “terrorism”, while others are said to have attacked the Lebanese army. Al-Sharaa has made their release necessary.

“We discussed continuing to deal with the situation of Syrian detainees (in Lebanon) and revealing the fate of the missing and forcibly detained in both countries,” Salam said.

More than 130 Syrian prisoners were transferred from Lebanon to Syria in March, where they are serving their remaining years.

Salam said the talks also focused on strengthening cooperation and expanding relations between the two countries through cooperation in economic, cultural and social fields.

Hezbollah’s shared interests

Both the Lebanese and Syrian governments oppose the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, which has influence in Lebanon and is currently at war with Israel. About 1.2 million people – more than a fifth of Lebanon’s population – have fled their homes as a result of Israeli violence.

Hezbollah lost its vital route through Syria following the removal of al-Assad from power. The former president was a close ally of Iran and a key figure in what Tehran describes as the “opposition sector”.

Lebanese authorities have promised to disarm the group, but the task has been difficult, raising concerns that civil war could break out.

Reporting from Deraa in southern Syria, Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett said Salam’s visit focused on re-establishing relations between the two countries and discussing regional issues, especially in the context of a major war. Pett said border and security concerns are top of mind for both leaders.

People and goods, including drugs and weapons, are often smuggled across the 330-kilometer (205-mile) border shared by Lebanon and Syria. Although smuggling may have declined since al-Assad was ousted from power, Damascus has announced several projects and construction projects in recent months.

Pett also said that both countries are eager to deal with Hezbollah, while Syria is building what it described as “Hezbollah cells” is said to be plotting to kill government officials.

Israel-Lebanon peace talks

The meeting comes as Lebanon prepares for another round of direct talks with Israel in Washington next week, with talks scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Mr. Salam said that he would prioritize promoting the end of the relationship between Lebanon and Israel.

The agreement, brokered by Washington, came into force in mid-April. Since then, Israel has carried out repeated attacks on Lebanon, including the capital, Beirut, prompting critics to accuse the country of failing to comply with the agreement.

Salam said the talks provide an opportunity to resolve the decades-old conflict between the two countries. He said Lebanon would focus on several key issues, including ending violence in the country, rescuing detainees and agreeing to a time frame for Israel to withdraw.