Syria and Lebanon discuss tighter border security and expanded cooperation in education, higher education, labour and social affairs during high-level talks in Damascus.
Syria and Lebanon have discussed strengthening border security, improving bilateral coordination and expanding cooperation across education, labour and social affairs during high-level talks in Damascus. The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both governments to address shared challenges and establish stronger institutional mechanisms for managing relations between the neighbouring countries.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani received a Lebanese delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri at Tishreen Palace in Damascus. The discussions focused on improving security coordination, tightening border controls and expanding cooperation across several government sectors, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
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Both sides reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and improve coordination between relevant institutions. Border security was a key priority, with discussions covering closer cooperation between authorities and measures to improve control along the shared frontier. The two countries have been working to address cross-border challenges and strengthen coordination between their security and administrative agencies.
The meeting also covered opportunities to expand cooperation in education, higher education, labour and social affairs. Officials discussed strengthening partnerships between the respective ministries and advancing the work of joint technical committees to address issues of mutual interest.
The Syrian delegation included Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Marwan al-Halabi, Education Minister Mohammad Abdulrahman Turko, and Social Affairs and Labour Minister Hind Kabawat. Their participation enabled discussions on sector-specific cooperation and coordination with their Lebanese counterparts.
The Lebanese delegation included Education and Higher Education Minister Rima Karami, Labour Minister Mohammad Haidar and Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed. The ministers discussed areas requiring closer institutional engagement and practical coordination between the two governments.
The latest meeting follows a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at developing relations between Damascus and Beirut. On May 9, 2026, a Lebanese delegation headed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Damascus, where both countries discussed expanding cooperation in economic affairs, transport and energy. In July, the two governments also agreed to establish a joint higher committee to provide an institutional framework for coordinating bilateral matters and developing economic, investment and trade cooperation.
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The November discussions build on these efforts by bringing together senior officials responsible for security, education, labour and social affairs. Continued engagement through ministerial meetings and technical committees is expected to support closer coordination and address issues affecting both countries.