Beirut: Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement in Beirut on Thursday establishing the Lebanese-Syrian Joint Higher Committee. The agreement was signed by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani.

According to Qatar News Agency, Prime Minister Salam stated that Lebanon is working to rebuild relations with Syria on a sound footing, emphasizing state-to-state relations that serve the shared interests of both countries. He mentioned that Al Shaibani's visit aims to advance cooperation in several areas discussed during his recent visit to Damascus, including electricity interconnection, transport, trade, the movement of people between the two countries, and broader economic cooperation.

Al Shaibani highlighted that the visit reflects Syria's support for Lebanon and its people and will help lay the foundation for a sustainable and healthy relationship between the two countries. He added that the newly signed agreement will provide a framework for the relevant ministries to develop partnerships in the economic, investment, and trade sectors, as well as strengthen security coordination and expand bilateral cooperation.