DAMASCUS, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's State Minister for Refugee Affairs Saleh al-Gharib visited Syria on Monday, discussing ways for the return of Syrian refugees to their country, according to the state news agency SANA.

Al-Gharib met with Syria's Minister of Local Administration Hussain Makhlouf, who stressed that the Syrian government has undertaken all steps for the return of Syrian refugees.

Makhlouf noted that Syria and Lebanon have a mutual interest and will for the return of Syrian refugees.

For his side, al-Gharib said he sensed seriousness and cooperation from the Syrian side for the return of refugees to Syria.

A total of 1.5 million Syrian refugees are located in Lebanon, making Lebanon the country with the highest number of refugees per capita.

Dozens of Syrian refugees return from Lebanon on a weekly basis.