Hezbollah-appointed Lebanese official welcomed in Syria in first since fall of Assad regime
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed the delegation after they crossed through the Masnaa-Jdeidet Yabous border crossing, the same crossing that was closed in April.
In a historic event, Hezbollah-appointed Lebanese officials made their first visit to Syria since the downfall of the Assad regime. The delegation, led by Labor Minister Mohammad Haidar, included Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Education Minister Rima Karameh, and Social Development Minister Haneen Sayed. They crossed the Masnaa-Jdeidet Yabous border crossing, which had been closed in April due to allegations that Hezbollah was smuggling weapons through it.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani received the delegation, marking a significant development in relations between the two nations. The agenda for the meeting focused on Syrian refugees in Lebanon, trade agreements, and border security. Despite past accusations against Hezbollah, a Hezbollah representative stated that Damascus was informed in advance of Haidar's background, and that their visit aimed to strengthen ties between the countries.
The incident comes amid concerns over the resurgence of the Islamic State and the presence of former Assad regime officers in Lebanon.
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