Speaker of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Beri, made a surprise visit to Syria on Wednesday, where he met with Syrian President Bashar Al-Asad and Al-Asad’s deputy Farouq A-Shara’.
The officials discussed the strained relations between the neighboring countries with the aim of improving ties. They also discussed the situation in the Palestinian areas and in the region, Beri said.
He described the talks as “positive and fruitful.”
It was originally expected that Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora would be visiting Syria. Siniora was assigned by participants of the ongoing national dialogue in Lebanon to talks with the Syrians about issues pertaining to exchanging embassies, delineating borders and the Sheba Farms, the Lebanese Daily Star reported.
Also, Lebanese factions are beginning the ninth session of national dialogue on Thursday, which will focus on Lebanon’s defense strategy in the face of a potential threat from Israel.