Opening of the Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum... The Carpet: A Chance to Build New Relations

Minister of Economy Ammar al-Bassat, representing the President of the Republic, emphasized during the 2026 Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum that "the relationship between Lebanon and Syria has carried many links and experiences," stressing the need to "draw lessons from them and work toward transforming geography from a given reality into an opportunity."

Al-Bassat stated that "Lebanon and Syria have a chance to establish new relations between the two countries, clearer and more balanced," underscoring the necessity to "move from intentions to institutions, then to implementation."

On his part, Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Mohammad Nadal al-Sha'ar affirmed that "economic integration between the two countries does not mean either nation must surrender its advantages," noting that "an economically stable Lebanon is also in Syria's interest."

Al-Sha'ar said: "Lebanon and Syria do not need to rediscover each other, but rather redefine their economic relations on a foundation of greater clarity and balance, within the full respect for the sovereignty, independence of decision-making, and national interests of both countries."

He added: "We have an opportunity to make the economy a space for shared interests and stability between Lebanon and Syria."

Meanwhile, Acting Ambassador of the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon Iyad al-Hazaa stated that "today's meeting aims to build bridges of shared interests and transition from geography of proximity to geography of partnership."

He stressed that "investment partnership between our countries is a matter of existential necessity, and the integration of Lebanon's service and logistics capabilities with Syria's vast potential is the true engine of comprehensive economic revival."

Al-Hazaa pointed out that "Lebanon and Syria are not just two countries on the map, but one single body."