Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Al Bassat concluded his official visit to Syria on Saturday as part of the Lebanese delegation. The visit was marked by a positive atmosphere and included a meeting with Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nidal Al Shaar.

Amer Al Bassat stated on the platform X that “the visit aimed to deepen economic integration between the two countries, based on the firm belief that the areas of cooperation between Lebanon and Syria are broad and vital, and that any genuine economic integration benefits both nations. It was emphasized that Syria’s success is also Lebanon’s success.”

Amer Al Bassat elaborated on the issues discussed with Mohammad Nidal Al Shaar, noting that the talks focused on three main areas: “working to facilitate trade relations by simplifying procedures, unifying standards, and reducing the cost of trade exchange between the two countries; enhancing investment cooperation to enable the private sector in Lebanon and Syria to benefit from development plans currently being implemented in both countries. In this context, it was announced that a Lebanese-Syrian Business Council will be established, with its first meeting to be held in Damascus in the coming weeks; and exploring ways to expand bilateral cooperation to serve as a gateway for broader and more integrated regional economic cooperation.”

Nawaf Salam added during the meetings: “We emphasized the need for strict control over the borders and the prevention of smuggling in all its forms, and we agreed on the need to continue dialogue and cooperation to facilitate the dignified return of displaced persons.”

He continued: “We discussed the follow-up on implementing signed agreements between the two countries regarding the transfer of convicted prisoners to Syria and the uncovering of the fate of missing persons in both countries,” adding, “We agreed on the launch of a joint Lebanese-Syrian Business Council that will hold its meetings soon, with continued political consultation and intensified communication at the ministerial level between Lebanon and Syria.”