Syria and Lebanon Seek Stronger Ties Amid Changing Geopolitical Landscape
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Syria, signaling a desire for improved bilateral relations after years of tension. Both leaders discussed strategic cooperation, border delineation, and the return of Syrian refugees, marking a significant shift in diplomatic engagement following the Syrian civil war.
On Saturday, in a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon visited Damascus, marking the first occurrence of a Lebanese leader in Syria since the civil war commenced in 2011. Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed a desire for improved relations between the two nations, emphasizing shared interests and the need for stability in Lebanon under the newly elected President Joseph Aoun. Sharaa articulated the importance of fostering mutual respect and equality in bilateral relations, aiming to establish long-term strategic ties after years of tension due to Hezbollah’s support of the Assad regime during the conflict.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of changing geopolitical dynamics following the recent turmoil within Syria. Mikati underscored the urgent need to address the matter of the approximately two million Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon, which has imposed significant strain on Lebanon’s already fragile economy. Additionally, he stressed the importance of demarcating land and sea borders, highlighting the necessity of a joint committee to tackle this issue, particularly in light of Lebanon’s aspirations to commence offshore gas extraction.
Furthermore, the Lebanese premier pointed out the critical need for both nations to exert control over their porous border to prevent smuggling activities. Previously, Syria required no visa for Lebanese nationals, but recent skirmishes have prompted new entry restrictions, reflecting a shift in border security policies. This diplomatic initiative has garnered international attention, with several foreign dignitaries visiting Damascus recently, signaling a potential realignment of Syria’s position within the region following years of isolation due to its ongoing civil war.
The article outlines a notable visit by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Syria, a significant event given the historical tensions that have characterized Syrian-Lebanese relations, particularly since the civil war began in 2011. Syria, once a dominant force in Lebanon, has faced a transformation in leadership and conditions, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. With the new leadership in place and the election of President Joseph Aoun in Lebanon, there appears to be renewed hope for constructive dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. The issues at hand include the return of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the establishment of clear borders for economic and security purposes, crucial for Lebanon’s recovery from economic turmoil.
In summary, the diplomatic outreach between Syria and Lebanon represents a significant turning point in their fraught historical relationship. With new leadership committed to establishing long-lasting ties centered around mutual respect and cooperation, both nations are poised to confront common challenges such as the refugee crisis and border security effectively. Such efforts could potentially lead to greater stability in the region if successfully navigated.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
