Establishment of the Lebanon-Syria Joint High Committee (July 2026)

On 2 July 2026, Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement to establish the Lebanon-Syria Joint High Committee with the aim of restructuring relations between the two countries within an institutional framework. The agreement envisions the development of bilateral cooperation in economic, commercial, investment, transportation, energy and security fields the establishment of a regular coordination mechanism between relevant ministries and the implementation of joint projects under an institutional structure.

The agreement was signed following talks between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hasan Shaybani during Shaybani’s official visit to Beirut. The parties stated that the committee will function as a permanent coordination mechanism to advance relations between the two countries. It is planned that the committee will bring together relevant ministers from both countries at regular intervals to ensure the implementation of joint initiatives.

The Lebanon-Syria Joint High Committee is designed as a common platform to promote economic partnerships increase trade volume expand investment opportunities strengthen security coordination and prepare agreements and memoranda of understanding to be signed between the two countries. Through the committee the institutionalization of technical and administrative cooperation among different ministries is targeted.

The parties have identified the enhancement of electricity connectivity the strengthening of transportation networks the facilitation of trade the acceleration of border crossings and the support of investment projects as priority areas of cooperation. It was also announced that in the near future new memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements are planned to be signed across various sectors.

During his visit to Beirut Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hasan Shaybani held meetings with President Joseph Aoun Prime Minister Nawaf Salam Speaker Nabih Berri and various political representatives. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral relations economic cooperation border management investment opportunities and regional developments. Shaybani stated that the visit aimed to strengthen relations between the two countries based on mutual respect.

At a joint press conference questions were raised regarding Syria’s potential role in the process of Hezbollah’s disarmament. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam did not offer additional comments referring instead to previous statements made by Syrian President Ahmad Shara. Shara had previously indicated that Syria does not wish to return to the mindset of assuming a military role in Lebanon as it did in the past. Shaybani stated that no meetings with Hezbollah were planned during the official visit but that Syria remains open to engaging with Hezbollah in the future if deemed necessary in accordance with the interests of both countries.

During the talks the parties also addressed the situation of Syrian detainees held in Lebanese prisons. Shaybani explained that a legal process is underway regarding the release or transfer of Syrian detainees to Syria. It was also noted that files concerning certain non-Syrian individuals detained during Syria’s internal conflict are being reviewed within the framework of dialogue between the two countries.

A separate agreement on the transfer of Syrian prisoners from Lebanon to Syria was signed in February 2026.

Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt stated that following political changes in Syria a new chapter must begin in relations between the two countries and called for the rebuilding of ties based on mutual interests. The approach of conducting bilateral relations in accordance with the principles of mutual state respect and non-interference in internal affairs was also emphasized during the talks.