Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Syria, marking a historic first in 15 years. He met de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss border security, smuggling issues, and the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon. Both countries planned to establish committees to address these matters, aiming for stronger bilateral relations.
In a significant diplomatic move, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati embarked on a historic visit to Syria’s capital, Damascus, marking the first instance of a Lebanese prime minister visiting Syria in 15 years. During this meeting with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the two discussed critical bilateral issues, notably concerns surrounding border security and the ongoing challenge of smuggling between their countries. The dialogue underscored their commitment to delineating both land and sea borders to enhance cooperation and stability in the region.
Al-Sharaa highlighted their discussions regarding the smuggling of arms and drugs across the porous eastern border, a situation that has garnered significant attention amid Lebanon’s pressing security concerns. “Smugglers used to send weapons and drugs from Syria into Lebanon,” reported Al Jazeera correspondent Hamza Mohamed, emphasizing the importance of this issue to the Lebanese leadership. Both sides concurred to establish committees aimed at addressing these persistent challenges.
In addition to security matters, the discussion included the pressing issue of Syrian refugees currently residing in Lebanon. With an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees having sought asylum since the onset of the civil war in 2011, this situation remains a heavy burden on the Lebanese economy. Al-Sharaa indicated Syria’s intention to explore resolutions for the refugee situation, recognizing its impact on Lebanon’s socio-economic stability. Following the recent election of President Joseph Aoun in Lebanon, there appears to be renewed hope for meaningful dialogue between the neighboring countries.
The meeting between Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa comes in a context marked by a long history of complex relations between the two countries. For 29 years, Syria maintained military presence in Lebanon, significantly influencing its political landscape until their withdrawal in 2005. The visit signifies an effort to rebuild ties in light of recent political developments in Lebanon, including the election of President Joseph Aoun, amid ongoing economic challenges and security issues stemming from the Syrian civil war.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa signifies a pivotal moment in Lebanese-Syrian relations, emphasizing cooperation on issues such as border security, smuggling, and the plight of Syrian refugees. Both leaders expressed their commitment to working together toward long-term stability and strategic relations. This diplomatic engagement reflects Lebanon’s continuing efforts to address its multifaceted challenges, particularly in the wake of significant political changes.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
