The defence ministers of Lebanon and Syria met in Jeddah to address border security following recent tensions and clashes. An agreement was signed to delineate the border and enhance cooperation, with a follow-up meeting planned. Despite efforts to improve relations, underlying tensions persist, posing risks for renewed conflict at the border.
On Thursday, the defence ministers of Lebanon and Syria convened in Jeddah to address border security, following escalating tensions and deadly clashes in the region. Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman hosted the Lebanese Minister Michel Menassa and Syria’s Murhaf Abu Qasra to facilitate discussions aimed at achieving security and stability between the two nations.
An agreement was reached to delineate the border, establish legal committees, and enhance coordination mechanisms to manage security challenges, particularly those arising along their shared border. It was also decided to schedule a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia to further discuss these matters.
The exchange of violence between the Syrian and Lebanese forces earlier in the month highlighted the fragility of the situation, resulting in the deaths of eight Syrian soldiers and a 15-year-old Lebanese boy due to a bombing incident. Although a ceasefire has been signed, experts suggest that unresolved underlying tensions may precipitate further conflicts at the Lebanon-Syria border.
Historical relations between Lebanon and Syria have been tumultuous, hampered by issues stemming from the Syrian Civil War and interactions with various armed groups including Hezbollah. Despite recent efforts to bolster diplomatic ties, clashes between Syrian forces and Iranian-backed Lebanese groups continue to pose significant challenges for both governments. Syrian authorities have indicated intentions to crack down on smuggling operations linked to Hezbollah to secure the border’s integrity.
The recent meeting of the defence ministers of Lebanon and Syria underscores a critical effort to address border security amid a backdrop of rising violence. While agreements have been made to enhance cooperation and establish mechanisms to resolve conflicts, the continuing tensions underline the complexity of the relationship between the two countries. Future diplomatic efforts will be essential to ensure a sustainable resolution to the issues that threaten stability in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
