Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed today, Friday, that "relations with Syria are good, but progressing slowly."

According to a report by a Syria TV correspondent during a meeting with a delegation from the "Journalists for Freedom" association, Aoun said, "I will visit Syria when an agreement related to the demarcation of the Lebanese-Syrian border or any other agreement between the two countries is finalized."

He noted that "the Shebaa Farms issue will be left until the end, with the possibility of forming two separate committees to demarcate the maritime and land borders."

Aoun's meeting with

Aoun revealed that "France has handed Lebanon maps related to the borders with Syria," adding, "We are ready for demarcation as soon as Damascus decides, and the Lebanese committee is prepared for that."

Regarding the issue of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons, he said, "The Lebanese judicial side discussed with the Syrian side a draft agreement concerning the Syrian detainees. The Syrian side has notes, but accused fighters against the Lebanese army cannot be handed over to the Syrian government. Therefore, from Beirut's perspective, the agreement is limited to handing over convicted Syrians, not detainees."

Earlier today, Aoun criticized comments made by the U.S. envoy Tom Barak about annexing Lebanon to Syria.

Commenting on Barak's remarks, he said, "Don't waste your time with them; they are rejected by all Lebanese."

Last Sunday, Barak said during his participation in the Doha Forum 2025: "We must unite Syria and Lebanon as they represent a remarkable civilization."