Lebanon’s Prime Minister Engages in Historic Discussions with Syrian Leadership
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the first such visit in 15 years. The two leaders discussed border security, smuggling issues, and the status of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. They agreed to form committees to address these challenges and expressed an intent for long-term cooperation between Lebanon and Syria.
In a historic visit, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking the first visit by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria in 15 years. The leaders convened to discuss key bilateral issues, focusing on border security, notably the rampant smuggling activities between the two nations. Both parties expressed their commitment to collaborating on delineating land and sea borders, and addressing other pressing concerns, including the status of Syrian deposits within Lebanese banks.
During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Mikati emphasized that Lebanon and Syria would intensify efforts to secure their borders against smuggling, particularly regarding arms and narcotics that have historically crossed from Syria into Lebanon. Al-Sharaa observed that their discussions encompassed a broad spectrum of shared interests, with an optimistic view toward forging long-term strategic relations once a new president has been elected in Lebanon.
The porous eastern border between the two countries has been a hub of illegal trade, and both leaders acknowledged the need for a concerted response. Mikati’s meeting with al-Sharaa also brought attention to the Syrian refugee crisis, with Lebanon currently hosting around 1.5 million displaced Syrians. Al-Sharaa reiterated Syria’s intention to facilitate discussions surrounding the refugee issue, which has become a significant strain on Lebanon’s fragile economy.
Lebanon’s current president, Joseph Aoun, indicated a willingness for productive dialogue with Syria, alluding to a unique opportunity for serious engagement between the two nations. Historically, Syria maintained substantial influence over Lebanon prior to the withdrawal of its troops in 2005, following international pressure. The outcome of this meeting could represent a pivotal step towards bilateral cooperation in addressing mutual challenges.
The recent visit of Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Syria signifies a potential thaw in relations between the two neighboring countries, marking a notable shift given their complicated history. For decades, Syria had a dominant role in Lebanese affairs before withdrawing in 2005. The discussion around border security, particularly concerning smuggling and the refugee situation, highlights urgent issues faced by both nations, particularly Lebanon’s economic struggles exacerbated by the influx of refugees fleeing Syria’s protracted civil war, which began in 2011 and has led to immense human suffering and displacement.
The meeting between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and de facto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa underscores the need for collaboration between Lebanon and Syria on critical issues, particularly border security and the refugee crisis. With both leaders expressing a commitment to addressing common challenges, this visit may herald a new era of bilateral relations that prioritize mutual interests and strategic partnership. The establishment of committees to tackle smuggling and secure borders is a promising step toward greater cooperation.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
