Syrian–Lebanese Treaty for Cooperation (1991)

The Lebanese Republic and the Syrian Arab Republic, on the basis of the distinguished brotherly relations between them which derive their strength from the roots of kinship, history, common affiliation, common destiny, and joint strategic interests; out of their belief that the achievement of the broadest cooperation and coordination between them will serve their strategic interests and provide the means for ensuring their development and progress, and for defending their pan-Arab and national security, being a source of prosperity and stability; and enabling them to face all regional and international developments and meet the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries; and in implementation of the Lebanese National Accord, which was ratified by the Lebanese Chamber of Deputies on 5 November 1989, have agreed on the following:

Article 1 – General Cooperation and Coordination

The two states will work to achieve the highest level of cooperation and coordination in all political, economic, security, cultural, scientific, and other fields in a manner that will realize the interests of the two fraternal countries within the framework of respect for their individual sovereignty and independence.

This cooperation shall enable the two countries to use their political, economic, and security resources to provide prosperity and stability, ensure their pan-Arab and national security, and expand and strengthen their common interests as an affirmation of the brotherly relations and a guarantee of their common destiny.

Article 2 – Economic, Agricultural, and Industrial Cooperation

The two states will work to achieve cooperation and coordination in the economic, agricultural, industrial, and commercial fields, as well as in the fields of transportation, communications, customs, the establishment of joint projects, and the coordination of development plans.

Article 3 – Mutual Security Commitment

The connection between the security of the two countries requires that Lebanon shall not become a threat to Syria’s security, and vice versa, under any circumstances.
Therefore:

• Lebanon will not allow itself to become a transit point or base for any force, state, or organization that seeks to undermine its security or that of Syria.
• Syria, which cherishes Lebanon’s security, independence, and unity, and the agreement among its people, will not allow any action that threatens Lebanon’s security, independence, or sovereignty.

Article 4 – Syrian Forces Redeployment

After the political reforms are approved in a constitutional manner as stipulated in the Lebanese National Accord, and after the deadlines specified in this accord have expired, the Syrian and Lebanese Governments will decide on the redeployment of Syrian forces in the al-Biqa’ area and the entrance to western al-Biqa’ in Dahr as-Baydar up to the Haammanah–al-Mudayri–‘Any Dara line, and if necessary, in other points to be specified by a joint Lebanese–Syrian military committee.

The two governments will conclude an agreement specifying:

• The size and duration of the Syrian forces’ presence in these areas.
• The relationship of these forces with the authorities of the Lebanese state.

Article 5 – Arab and International Foreign Policy

The two states’ Arab and international foreign policy shall be based on the following principles:

1. Commitment to Arab and International Charters
   Lebanon and Syria are Arab states committed to the Arab League Charter, the Arab Defense Pact, joint economic cooperation, and all agreements ratified within the framework of the Arab League. They are also members of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
2. Common Destiny and Interests
   The two countries share a common destiny and common interests.
3. Mutual Support and Policy Coordination
   Each country supports the other in issues related to its security and national interests in accordance with this treaty. Therefore, the governments of both countries shall coordinate their Arab and international policies, cooperate to the fullest extent possible in Arab and international institutions and organizations, and coordinate their stands on regional and international issues.

Article 6 – Organizational Structures

To achieve the goals of this treaty, the following bodies shall be formed. Additional bodies can be established by decision of the Supreme Council.

1. The Supreme Council

A. Composition:
The Supreme Council will consist of the Presidents of both contracting countries and a number of other members from both sides.

B. Meetings:
The Council will meet at least once a year, and more often when necessary, at an agreed-upon venue.

C. Responsibilities:
The Supreme Council charts the general policy for coordination and cooperation between the two states in the political, economic, security, military, and other fields. It supervises implementation and adopts plans and decisions made by the Executive Body, the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Economic and Social Affairs Committee, the Defense and Security Affairs Committee, or any committee established in the future—provided that the constitutional provisions of both countries are respected.

D. Binding Nature of Decisions:
The Supreme Council’s decisions are binding and effective within the framework of the constitutional laws and rules of the two countries, except for those requiring approval by the executive or legislative authorities as stipulated in each country’s constitution.

E. Delegated Authority:
The Supreme Council defines which subjects the committees have authority to decide on. Once issued, these decisions become executive in nature, within constitutional limits.

2. The Executive Body

A. Composition:
The Executive Body will consist of the Prime Ministers of both countries and several ministers responsible for bilateral relations.

B. Functions:

• Follow up on implementation of Supreme Council decisions.
• Submit progress reports to the Supreme Council.
• Coordinate recommendations and decisions of specialized committees.
• Submit proposals to the Supreme Council.
• Convene meetings with specialized committees when necessary.

C. Meetings:
The Executive Body will meet at least once every six months, or more often when required.

3. The Foreign Affairs Committee

A. Composition:
This committee consists of the Foreign Ministers of both countries.

B. Meetings:
Held at least once every two months, alternating between the two capitals.

C. Duties:
Coordinate the foreign policy of both nations, their relations with other states, and their activities in Arab and international organizations. Relevant plans shall be submitted to the Supreme Council.

4. The Economic and Social Affairs Committee

A. Composition:
Formed of ministers responsible for economic and social sectors in both states.

B. Meetings:
Held alternately in damascus and Beirut at least every two months, or more frequently if required.

C. Mandate:
Responsible for achieving economic and social coordination between the two countries and preparing recommendations to that effect.

D. Approval:
Recommendations take effect after endorsement by the Supreme Council in line with constitutional provisions.

5. The Defense and Security Affairs Committee

A. Composition:
Includes both countries’ Ministers of Defense and Interior.

B. Responsibilities:
Study the measures needed to safeguard national security, propose joint defense plans, and respond to any threats or internal unrest endangering their security.

C. Submission:
All plans, recommendations, and measures are submitted to the Supreme Council for endorsement, in accordance with constitutional rules.

6. The General Secretariat

A. Establishment:
A General Secretariat shall be created to follow up on the implementation of this treaty.

B. Leadership:
Headed by a Secretary-General appointed by the Supreme Council.

C. Organization:
The headquarters, mandate, and budget of the General Secretariat will be determined by the Supreme Council.

Closing Provisions

A. Complementary Agreements:
Special agreements shall be concluded between the two countries in the fields covered by this treaty—such as economic, security, and defense cooperation—in accordance with the constitutional rules of each state. These agreements shall complement the treaty.

B. Ratification:
This treaty shall take effect after being ratified by the authorities of both countries according to their constitutional provisions.

C. Legal Consistency:
Each country will abrogate any law or regulation inconsistent with this treaty, provided that such abrogation does not violate any constitutional provision.