On December 26, 2024, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib held a phone conversation with his counterpart in the Syrian transitional government, Assad Al-Sheibani, expressing Lebanon's desire for improved relations with the new Syrian administration.
During the call, Bou Habib congratulated Al-Sheibani on his appointment as Syria's Foreign Minister, wishing him success in his new role. He emphasized the importance of a new chapter for Syrian diplomacy in regional and international forums.
Bou Habib reiterated Lebanon's commitment to Syria's unity, territorial integrity, independence, and the right of its people to self-determination. He expressed Lebanon's interest in fostering strong neighborly relations that benefit both nations.
The Lebanese Foreign Ministry indicated that Bou Habib expressed a desire to visit Syria, to which Al-Sheibani welcomed the proposal. Both ministers agreed to hold a meeting at the beginning of 2025 to discuss mutual issues and concerns.
This conversation coincided with the 46th extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers, hosted by Kuwait, aimed at discussing developments in Syria and Lebanon. The GCC meeting reflects a growing Arab engagement with Syria, following recent visits by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khalifi to Damascus.
Additionally, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed discussed the situation in Syria with Al-Sheibani, while Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya also reached out to strengthen ties between their nations.
On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions took control of Damascus and other cities, marking the end of 61 years of Ba'ath Party rule and 53 years of the Assad family's governance.