Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who was in New York for meetings of the United Nations General Assembly, held separate meetings with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UAE Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy.
The Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office said the talks covered bilateral relations, regional developments and the course to be followed in southern Lebanon after the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) ends.
Security agenda after UNIFIL with Russia
Salam and Sergey Lavrov discussed strengthening Lebanon-Russia relations and the latest developments in Lebanon and the region. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining an international presence in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mandate is completed.
The Lebanese prime minister said an international presence would help preserve stability and continue observation, reporting and communication missions. Salam also said it would strengthen the authority of the Lebanese state across the country’s territory.
Under Resolution 2790, adopted by the United Nations Security Council in August 2025, UNIFIL’s mandate was extended for the final time until December 31, 2026. After that date, the force is planned to withdraw gradually, orderly and safely over one year, with the Lebanese government becoming the sole party responsible for security in southern Lebanon.
A new chapter in relations with Syria
Meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Salam said Lebanon wanted to begin a new period in its relations with Syria. Salam said they aimed to develop ties between the two countries on the basis of trust, non-interference in internal affairs and mutual interests.
The sides also discussed reviewing agreements signed between Lebanon and Syria. The work is expected to prepare for the first meeting of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Joint Committee, which is to be established in Beirut. The meeting is planned for early next month or the following month.
Salam and al-Sharaa also discussed regional connectivity projects in electricity, railways and energy. Lebanon and Syria have continued contacts since August to develop transport and logistics services and increase commercial activity.
Digital transformation plan with the UAE
The meeting with Reem Al Hashimy addressed advancing cooperation between Lebanon and the UAE in digital transformation and the development of public services.
The sides assessed the possibility of benefiting from the UAE’s experience in digitizing procedures and simplifying bureaucratic processes. The cooperation aims to shorten processing times and improve services provided to citizens.
Al Hashimy said the UAE was ready to support Lebanon and share its experience in digital transformation.
Lebanon’s reform and sovereignty goals
Assessing his visit to New York, Salam said they wanted to advance internal reforms and the restoration of sovereignty simultaneously to build a “new Lebanon.”
The prime minister said they did not want a security vacuum to emerge in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL completes its mission at the end of the year. Salam said an option involving a force made up of European countries had been discussed, adding that any international force serving in the south must operate within the framework of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
As these meetings took place, Lebanon was going through a sensitive security and political process involving efforts to strengthen the army’s capacity, the future of the international military presence in the south, Israel’s presence in parts of Lebanese territory and debates over Hezbollah’s weapons.
