Syria and Lebanon Establish High-Level Cooperation Committee

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani announced the signing of an agreement to establish a supreme committee for cooperation and partnership between Syria and Lebanon during a visit to the Lebanese government headquarters on July 2, 2026.

Following discussions at the presidential palace, al-Shibani emphasized the need to move beyond the past and establish fresh political and strategic relations between the two nations. He stated that "the old regime has ended and we must open a new chapter in our political and strategic relationships."

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun interpreted the Syrian foreign minister's visit as a reassuring signal, noting that it demonstrates the new Syrian leadership under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has no intention of interfering in Lebanese domestic affairs.

The visit also included a meeting between al-Shibani and Walid Jumblatt, the former Progressive Socialist Party leader, at Jumblatt's residence in Clemenceau.

In related developments, Lebanese Economy Minister Amer al-Bassatat reported that economic losses from the conflict since 2024 could exceed $16 billion. Meanwhile, an Israeli aircraft dropped a sound bomb on the town of Mansouri in the Chouf region during the period of diplomatic engagement.

Iranian military officials stated that despite ongoing tensions, they continue to strengthen their defensive capabilities and maintain their operational readiness.