Syria and Lebanon Announce Formation of Joint Higher Committee to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

ARK News.. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on Thursday the establishment of a Syrian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of political, economic, and security issues.

Speaking during a joint press conference held at the Grand Serial in Beirut on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the two officials outlined efforts to deepen cooperation between their countries, including the signing of an agreement establishing the new joint committee.

Al-Shaibani said his visit to the Lebanese capital reflects the mutual support and healthy relationship between Syria and Lebanon, stressing that the partnership would serve as a platform for expanding economic cooperation and strengthening security coordination.

He also said both countries would work to overcome what he described as the legacy of the former Assad regime in Syria's relations with Lebanon.

For his part, Salam confirmed the signing of the agreement establishing the Syrian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, adding that the discussions also focused on expanding economic ties, including electricity interconnection projects, the transport and exchange of goods, and facilitating the movement of citizens between the two countries.

Al-Shaibani said the newly established committee will work to advance economic cooperation and deepen security understandings between Damascus and Beirut.

The Syrian foreign minister also stated that the Lebanese government alone has the authority to determine its position regarding any agreement with Israel, while reiterating Syria's rejection of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including airstrikes and displacement operations.

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