Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Damascus, signaling a renewed commitment between Syria and Lebanon following years of tension. Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa expressed hopes for long-term strategic relations, emphasizing the urgency of resolving issues related to Syrian refugees and border management. This historic visit may indicate a thaw in relations and a mutual interest in collaboration to address shared challenges.
In a historic visit, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati traveled to Damascus, marking the first visit by a Lebanese leader since the onset of Syria’s civil war in 2011. This meeting followed the removal of Bashar al-Assad from power and aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations. Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, emphasized the importance of establishing long-term strategic relations grounded in mutual respect and equality, while Mikati underscored the urgent need to address the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and the necessity for delineating border issues. Both leaders expressed optimism for improved bilateral relations, highlighting shared interests and the need for collaboration to tackle ongoing challenges, including illicit border smuggling.
The relationship between Syria and Lebanon has historically been complex, particularly under the Assad regime, which exerted significant influence in Lebanese affairs for over three decades. Following the civil war in Lebanon and the subsequent Syrian withdrawal in 2005, diplomatic ties became strained, especially due to domestic opposition in Lebanon regarding Syrian interventions. The recent political changes in Syria and the election of a new Lebanese president signal a potential thaw in relations, with both governments now eager to engage in dialogue and rectify longstanding issues, particularly concerning the influx of Syrian refugees who have been a strain on Lebanon’s economy.
The recent meeting between Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Syria’s new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa represents a pivotal moment in Lebanese-Syrian relations. With a commitment to fostering robust ties based on mutual respect, both leaders aim to address urgent issues, including the repatriation of Syrian refugees and the establishment of clear border demarcations. This shift may herald a new era of cooperation, contributing to regional stability and opening necessary avenues for dialogue between the two nations.
Original Source: www.news-shield.com
