Lebanon and Syria Forge New Relations Amid Regional Shifts
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Damascus to establish improved ties with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa following years of tension resulting from the Syrian civil war. Both leaders expressed a commitment to cooperation, discussing critical issues like Syrian refugees and border management, while signaling a shift in relations after the recent political changes in Lebanon.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon visited Damascus, marking the first such visit by a Lebanese head of government since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. During discussions, Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed intentions to foster lasting ties between the two nations. Mikati’s visit followed the recent power shift in Syria, which ended the leadership of Bashar al-Assad after challenges from rebel groups. Sharaa emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation and mutual interests between Syria and Lebanon, encouraging a fresh start in diplomatic relations.
Mikati echoed these sentiments, suggesting that future relations should be underpinned by respect for national sovereignty. His government aims to address pressing bilateral issues, particularly the significant number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and ensure their safe return. This refugee crisis is a prominent concern for Lebanon, which has been facing severe economic challenges since 2019. He proposed establishing a joint committee to delineate land and maritime borders between the two countries, something Syria has historically resisted.
The Lebanese Prime Minister highlighted the need for stricter control over their borders, particularly against smuggling. A recent skirmish prompted Syria to impose new entry restrictions for Lebanese citizens, complicating access. Meanwhile, various international diplomats have been visiting Damascus to engage with Syria’s new leadership, signaling possible changes in regional dynamics following years of isolation in the Arab world.
The ongoing Syrian conflict, which has claimed over 500,000 lives since 2011, has left Lebanon grappling with an overwhelming influx of refugees. The new engagements between Lebanon and Syria suggest a potential shift towards resolving long-standing issues and improving bilateral relations.
The complex relationship between Syria and Lebanon has evolved significantly since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Historically, Syria maintained a strong influence over Lebanon, particularly during its civil war from 1975 to 1990. The assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2005 triggered a withdrawal of Syrian troops and led to increased tensions. After a decade of strained relations due to Hezbollah’s support for Assad, recent developments—including the election of President Joseph Aoun in Lebanon—signal a new opportunity for diplomacy between the two nations. This comes at a crucial time as Lebanon grapples with a humanitarian crisis related to Syrian refugees.
To summarize, Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s recent visit to Damascus represents a pivotal moment in Lebanon-Syria relations after years of tension. With both leaders advocating for mutual respect and joint efforts to tackle pressing issues such as the refugee crisis and border delineation, there is potential for a renewed partnership between the two nations. Furthermore, ongoing international interest in Syria suggests that these developments could influence regional stability and cooperation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
