Beirut: Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani announced on Sunday night that he engaged in discussions with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam regarding the plight of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon's Roumieh Prison. The meeting aimed to explore ways to alleviate the challenges faced by these prisoners.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Al-Shaibani shared this information via a post on his X account, revealing that the discussions with the Lebanese premier focused on resolving the issues of Syrians detained in Roumieh Prison. The exact location of the meeting was not disclosed. The Syrian Foreign Minister mentioned that they had reached an agreement on "practical steps" to address the problem.

Al-Shaibani emphasized the Syrian government's dedication to resolving the situation promptly, acknowledging that while some consequences of the prolonged conflict might linger, Syrians' welfare remains a priority. Roumieh Prison, situated east of Beirut, is the largest detention facility in Lebanon, currently housing around 4,000 inmates, which is thrice its intended capacity, as reported by local media.

The prison holds a considerable number of Syrian detainees who have been incarcerated for extended periods without trial, attracting significant criticism. The broader context of these discussions ties back to the recent political changes in Syria. Bashar Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, sought refuge in Russia on December 8, marking the end of the Baath Party's long-standing rule since 1963. Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who spearheaded the movement against the regime, assumed the presidency for a transitional period in late January.