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Shaaban: The 3-hour meeting between President al-Assad and al-Hariri was Frank, positive and
friendly, with focus on future relations
SANA
Presidential Political and Media Advisor described as "frank, positive and cordial" Saturday talks between President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, adding that this
would reflect positively on the Arab situation.
"The three-hour talks between President al-Assad and al-Hariri discussed all topics related to the
Syrian-Lebanese relations with emphasis on the future relations between the two countries and activating the institutions. Talks were held in frank, positive and cordial atmosphere," Dr. Buthaina
Shaaban told reporters at Tishreen Presidential Palace following the talks.
She added that al-Hariri's current visit "will be followed by future visits by officials and technicians
to lay the foundation for activating the institutional relations between the two countries in the interest of the two brotherly peoples."
"The discussions also dealt with the Arab situation, the challenges facing Syria and Lebanon due to the Israeli occupation of Arab territories, the importance of coordination between Syria ,
Lebanon and the Arab countries as well as the Arab solidarity to close the Arab ranks and restore the legitimate rights." Dr. Shaaban said.
The Presidential Political and Media Advisor noted that coordination between Syria and Lebanon focused on the Arab, regional and international arenas.
She added that "all issues were discussed with transparency…There is intention to continue with this positive direction and develop executive plans to upgrade the mutual relations to meet the
aspiration of people in both countries."
She said that Arab mutual work will highly benefit from this particular relationship, and would be positively reflected on other Arab relations.
Answering a question on the significance of President al-Assad's reception of al-Hariri in Tishreen Palace, and whether this meeting is meant to break the ice, Shaaban said that there is no doubt
that the meeting between the two sides has managed to thaw the ice.
"The reception of al-Hariri in Tishreen Palace … and his residence in is a breaking of the
protocol…this indicates special warmth and cordiality," she stressed. The Presidential Political and Media Advisor added that, "the agenda is to continue with this frank, serious and constructive
dialogue to cover all the topics today evening and tomorrow."
Answering a question on the demarcation of borders between the two countries, Shaaban said
that this topic was discussed like others with steps to be taken in the proper time and way.
She added that the visits between the two countries will be rapid and mutual, focusing on the
institutional ties between Syrian and Lebanese ministries and institutions.
On the performance of the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council in the coming period, Shaaban
indicated that this council will contribute to enhance relations between both countries and enrich them.
Regarding the contribution of President al-Assad and Premier al-Hariri current meetings to
remove past negative aspects, Shaaban said that these negative had become in the past, adding that President al-Assad and Premier al-Hariri's willingness to establish this positive and
constructive relationship-- and their recognition that it is in the interest of both countries and people---would guarantee that such things would not recur.
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