President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday met with an official Syrian delegation comprising the ministers of economy, tourism, agriculture, and transport, as well as the heads of the investment and aviation authorities and the head of the Lebanese-Syrian Business Council.
Syrian Economy Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar spoke first, conveying the greetings of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Aoun, the Lebanese government and the “brotherly Lebanese people.”
He emphasized that "this meeting holds great importance and was eagerly awaited by incumbent Syrian officials," stating: "The defunct regime held hundreds of meetings with former Lebanese presidents, but we aspired to a meeting grounded in sincerity, affection, and loyalty; meeting you today has realized that dream."
He added: "We come to Lebanon today with hearts full of longing and nostalgia. We were deprived of this relationship for 60 years, and now we are opening a new page -- a page of peace, love, honesty, sincerity, and balanced relations."
"We fully recognize that you -- along with His Excellency President al-Sharaa --laid the cornerstone for a balanced and fair relationship between our two countries. We, the business community in Syria, have supported this edifice by establishing the Syrian-Lebanese Business Council under the leadership of Ms. Layla Salman; Lebanon took a similar step, with Mr. Khalil Arab assuming the chairmanship of the Lebanese council,” Shaar added.
Aoun for his part praised stances advocating for the “consolidation of relations between the two countries based on complementarity, balance, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs,” noting that "these themes formed the basis of the conversation” during his first meeting with al-Sharaa.
He added: "The region possesses immense potential that we must activate through balanced relations and mutual respect. Lebanon and Syria enjoy a distinctive Mediterranean location that positions them as a suitable alternative should tensions or problems arise in the region," Aoun said.
"This is what I conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump." Aoun added. He emphasized that "Lebanon’s stability is linked to Syria’s stability -- and vice versa -- and efforts must be directed toward security and military stability, as well as economic stability, which reinforces overall conditions."
He added: "Every crisis presents an opportunity that should be seized for integration and development."
