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Syrian FM in Beirut to Reassure Lebanon Over Military Intervention Fears
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

Syrian FM in Beirut to Reassure Lebanon Over Military Intervention Fears

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Beirut to allay Lebanese fears of potential Syrian military intervention.
  • Shibani assured Lebanese officials that Damascus has no intention of taking military action and expressed openness to dialogue with all Lebanese political forces, including Hezbollah.
  • The visit aimed to clarify confusion, strengthen bilateral ties, and foster a new chapter of cooperation between Syria and Lebanon, emphasizing a state-to-state relationship.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani arrived in Beirut on Thursday, aiming to dispel Lebanese concerns over possible Syrian military intervention. He assured Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other political figures that Damascus harbors "no intention of taking any military step" into Lebanon. This assurance was a central theme during his meetings, which included discussions with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a key ally of Hezbollah.

Syria has no intention of taking any military step.

— Asaad al-ShibaniSyrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani assuring Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during his visit to Beirut.

Shibani's visit, his second to Lebanon, sought to clear up "confusion" surrounding rumors of intervention. He stressed Syria's desire for a state-to-state relationship, affirming support for Lebanese decisions and a commitment to developing bilateral and economic ties. The Syrian delegation also conveyed a message of openness to engaging with Hezbollah, stating a meeting could occur "if the interest requires it," though none was scheduled during this visit.

The meetings were significant as they represented a broad engagement with various Lebanese political factions, signaling Syria's intent to open a new chapter in relations. Shibani called for enhanced coordination between the two nations on regional solutions and economic partnerships, particularly with Gulf states interested in joint ventures. He also extended an invitation to President Aoun to visit Damascus for a summit with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

if the interest requires it

— Asaad al-ShibaniSyrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani on the possibility of meeting with Hezbollah.

Lebanon's President Aoun affirmed the country's commitment to strong, cooperative relations with Syria, based on mutual respect and non-interference. He emphasized the importance of developing ties across all sectors and acknowledged Syria's support for Lebanon's security and stability. The visit underscored a mutual desire to move past historical interference and build a more cooperative future.

Lebanon’s commitment to brotherly relations with Syria based on cooperation, coordination and non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries

— Joseph AounLebanese President Joseph Aoun affirming Lebanon's stance on relations with Syria.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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