Syria and Lebanon make ‘significant progress’ at talks on joint interests
Key takeaways
- In Damascus, Lebanese prime minister and Syrian president discuss issues including security, transport and energy.
- The trip marks Salam’s second official visit to the neighbouring country since al-Assad was overthrown during a major offensive led by opposition forces under al-Sharaa.
- The talks also covered the release of Syrian prisoners held in overcrowded Lebanese jails.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
In Damascus, Lebanese prime minister and Syrian president discuss issues including security, transport and energy.
xwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogle Add Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa shakes hands with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the People's Palace in Damascus on May 9, 2026 [AFP/SANA]By Daniel Khalili-Tari and AFPPublished On 9 May 20269 May 2026The leaders of Lebanon and Syria have concluded talks in Damascus focused on joint interests, as both countries pursue a rapprochement following the overthrow of longtime Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, almost 18 months ago.
On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said “significant progress” had been made in the discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which covered security, transport, infrastructure, and economic matters.