Syria / Anadolu

Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara discussed on Tuesday with Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer al-Bassat ways to enhance trade exchange between the two countries.

This came during their meeting at the People's Palace in the capital Damascus, in the presence of Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shi'ar, according to Syrian state news agency SANA.

The agency said the meeting discussed 'ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Syria and Lebanon, and develop mechanisms of joint coordination, serving the interests of the two countries and brotherly peoples.'

On June 21 last, al-Shara said in an interview with Lebanese journalist Tony Khalifa on Al-Mashhad channel that his country intends nothing but good for the Lebanese and is ready for dialogue with everyone.

Al-Shara pointed to the depth of ties binding his country with neighboring Lebanon, noting leaps in addressing the energy file despite difficult circumstances, which could positively reflect on electricity and banking files in Lebanon.

At the beginning of this July, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Lebanon and held 8 high-level meetings, including meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri.

His meeting with Salam resulted in mutual affirmation of respect for sovereignty, and an agreement to form the 'Supreme Syrian-Lebanese Committee' as a practical step to advance common interests.

Both countries hope to enhance political and economic cooperation, and develop bilateral coordination based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and common interests, thereby supporting stability in the region.