Beirut, July 2 (SANA)Lebanese PresidentJoseph Aounsaid on Thursday that Lebanon is committed to Syria’s stability and welcomed what he described as a new chapter in relations between the two neighboring countries following talks with Syrian Foreign MinisterAsaad Hassan al-Shaibaniat Baabda Palace.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Aoun said Lebanon’s stability is closely linked to Syria’s.

“We are committed to Syria’s stability just as Syria is committed toLebanon‘s stability,” he said.

Aoun said PresidentAhmad al-Sharaahad assured him during several meetings and phone calls that Syria’s approach toward Lebanon had changed.

“President Ahmad al-Sharaa has assured me in more than one meeting and phone call thatSyria‘s role will not be what it was in the past and that a new chapter has opened between our two countries. Syria will not side with one Lebanese party against another but will stand alongside all Lebanese,” Aoun said.

He also welcomed the establishment of a joint high committee between Syria and Lebanon to coordinate issues of mutual interest.

“We welcome the establishment of the joint high committee between our two countries to safeguard the interests of Lebanon and Syria,” Aoun said.

Earlier on Thursday, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met President Aoun and Lebanese Parliament SpeakerNabih Berrito discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation.

The meetings come as Damascus and Beirut seek to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand dialogue on political, economic and cross-border issues following a series of recent high-level contacts between the two countries.