Lebanon and Syria Launch New Economic Partnership

President Joseph Aoun met with a high-level Syrian ministerial delegation in Beirut on September 23 to establish a new era of bilateral relations based on mutual respect and non-interference. The delegation, the largest sent to Lebanon since the ousting of Bashar Assad in December 2024, included ministers of economy, tourism, agriculture, and transport. Aoun emphasized that the stability of Lebanon and Syria are interdependent, noting he had previously discussed the strategic Mediterranean importance of both nations with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Following the diplomatic meetings, officials and business leaders convened for the first Syrian-Lebanese Investment Forum. Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar outlined a new Syrian economic model centered on a free-market system where the government acts as a regulator. The forum identified joint value chains in transportation, logistics, agriculture, tourism, and technology. Lebanese Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat stressed that these new relations must be supported by functioning institutions to provide concrete benefits to both populations.

These regional developments follow a September 21 meeting in New York City between U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Shaheen highlighted the repeal of Caesar Act sanctions and the formal removal of Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list as critical steps for recovery. The discussions focused on reducing Syria's reliance on Russia, Iran, and China through Western investment and the implementation of a permanent ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces.