Lebanon’s planned security delegation visit to Syria has been postponed at the request of Syrian authorities, local media reported on Wednesday.

The delegation was set to include Defense Minister Michel Menassa, General Security Chief Major General Hassan Choukeir, and Military Intelligence Director Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji. The group was scheduled to meet with Syria’s interim Defense Minister, Murhaf Abu Qasra.

Talks were expected to focus on enhancing security cooperation between Beirut and Damascus, with particular attention on curbing smuggling activities, tightening control over illegal border crossings, and easing rising tensions along the border.

A Lebanese official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that the Lebanese government had been informed of the delay on Tuesday.

“We were notified that the visit was postponed,” the official said, adding that the decision to postpone the trip was made in coordination between both governments and not due to any disagreements or tensions. The official did not provide a new date for the visit.

Meanwhile, a Syrian government source confirmed to AFP that the postponement was linked to Syria’s ongoing preparations for a new government. Menassa was set to meet with Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, who, according to the source, is expected to be involved in changes within Syria’s administrative structure due to the impending formation of the government.

Another source within the Syrian administration told LBCI that the delay was related to upcoming shifts in responsibility, particularly the position of the Syrian liaison officer overseeing the security file with Lebanon. The source noted that these changes are connected to the restructuring of roles as part of the formation of the new Syrian government.