File photo of Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Brussels, May 11, 2026. This is not the November meeting with the Lebanese delegation. Photo: EU/Claudio Centonze. © European Union, 2026, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Photo source · License
Syrian and Lebanese ministers held talks in Damascus on Monday on the return of displaced Syrians, border coordination and cooperation in education and social affairs, according to Syrian official accounts.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani received a delegation led by Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri at Tishreen Palace. The discussions covered security coordination, tighter border controls and the work of joint technical committees, SANA reported, citing Syria's Foreign Ministry.
Separate meetings between ministers addressed administrative, educational and social issues affecting Syrians living in Lebanon. SANA said the return of displaced Syrians was a central item on the visit's agenda.
The delegations included the two countries' education and social affairs ministers. Syrian Higher Education Minister Marwan al-Halabi and Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar also attended.
The talks follow earlier exchanges and committee work between Damascus and Beirut. The reports described areas under discussion but did not announce a new return agreement or timetable.
