Lebanon and Syria have agreed to work together to improve border security and define both land and maritime borders, as stated by Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati during his visit to Damascus on Saturday.
This visit marked the first time in 15 years that a Lebanese Prime Minister has travelled to Syria. Mikati participated in a joint press conference in Damascus with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Al-Sharaa mentioned that the discussions had covered various issues, including smuggling between the two countries, border security challenges, and the matter of Syrian deposits held in Lebanese banks.
Both governments have agreed to set up committees to address these issues and ensure the necessary support is in place.
Lebanon’s newly elected President, Joseph Aoun, commented on Thursday that this presented a significant opportunity for “serious and constructive dialogue” with Syria.
Syria, under the rule of the Assad family for nearly five decades, had a considerable influence over Lebanon, including maintaining a military presence in the country for 29 years until 2005, despite considerable opposition within Lebanon.
