Source: Al-Shaibani to visit Beirut carrying reassuring message from Syria

The Saudi-based Al-Arabiya network reported that Asaad Al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister of Syria’s interim government, is expected to visit Beirut within the next two days. During the visit, he is slated to meet with several senior Lebanese officials, most notably the country's "three presidents": the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament.

An official source told the network that Al-Shaibani would discuss outstanding issues between Lebanon and Syria, among them the status of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon and the shared border—as well as ways to structure bilateral relations moving forward.

The visit comes amidst heightened activity in Lebanese-Syrian relations, following the Lebanese authorities' handover of two batches of convicted Syrian prisoners to Damascus—a move implementing a bilateral agreement signed by both sides last February.

According to the source, Al-Shaibani is carrying a message of "reassurance" from the Syrian leadership to Lebanese officials, affirming that Syria has no intention of intervening militarily in Lebanon.

Al-Arabiya noted that this message is particularly significant given the sensitive situation in Lebanon, security and political tensions regarding the south and the border, and concerns about how regional developments might impact the domestic Lebanese landscape.

The talks are also expected to cover mechanisms for border control, efforts to combat smuggling, and the enhancement of security coordination in a manner that preserves the sovereignty of both nations. Additionally, discussions will address humanitarian and judicial files that have remained unresolved for years, according to Al-Arabiya.

Sh-S

ANHA