Al-Shibani: Our relationship with the Lebanese state is “exclusively”

Beirut (Agencies): Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani affirmed yesterday, during a visit to Lebanon, that Syria’s relations with Lebanon would be exclusively and directly with the Lebanese state. Speaking at a press conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, al-Shibani said the visit reflected Damascus’s support for Lebanon, both government and people, in pursuit of a healthy relationship, adding, “We will continue working to overcome the negative legacy of the former Syrian regime in its relations with Lebanon.” He stressed that the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel was a Lebanese matter, and that Syria hoped for rapid understandings that would contribute to Lebanese stability. He added that the message he carried from Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was that Damascus believes in Lebanon in all its components and seeks a direct relationship with the official Lebanese state. Al-Shibani also met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace in Beirut. The meeting discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries based on mutual respect, good neighborliness, and enhanced economic cooperation mechanisms, as well as the latest regional and international developments of common interest. Al-Shibani also met Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh. He confirmed that there was no set date for a meeting with Hezbollah during the visit, but that Damascus remained open to such a meeting in the future if it served mutual interests. In a statement after his meeting with Berri, al-Shibani said, “Our presence in Lebanon is a message of love and cooperation with Lebanese components and institutions. The meeting with Berri was excellent and serves Syrian-Lebanese relations.”