Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Syria, marking the first visit by a Lebanese leader since the civil war. The leaders pledged to strengthen ties, highlighting the urgency of resolving issues related to Syrian refugees and border demarcation. Both countries expressed a desire for long-term strategic relations based on mutual respect. The meeting follows recent significant political changes in Syria.
In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon embarked on a pivotal visit to Damascus, marking the first attendance by a Lebanese head of government since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. This visit comes on the heels of recent political changes in Syria following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led factions. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to nurturing robust relations based on mutual respect and national sovereignty.
Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed a desire to establish a transformative rapport with Lebanon, stating, “There will be long-term strategic relations between us and Lebanon. We and Lebanon have great shared interests.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mikati articulated the urgency of addressing the two million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, citing their return as an essential matter for both nations.
The dialogue also encompassed the necessity of delineating land and maritime borders between the two countries, a contentious issue stemming from Syria’s historical refusal to demarcate these borders. Mikati’s administration highlighted the importance of formulating a joint committee to tackle border-related challenges and address the pervasive issue of smuggling across their poorly defined boundaries.
As Syria strives to rebuild diplomatic ties following years of international isolation, numerous foreign dignitaries have visited Damascus, signaling a potentially new chapter in its relationships within the region. With substantial aspirations for cooperation, the leadership on both sides appears poised to navigate a path towards stability and economic development.
The relationship between Syria and Lebanon has historically been complex, particularly marked by Syria’s dominance over Lebanon for approximately three decades. Following the end of Lebanon’s civil war in 1990, Syria maintained a significant military presence in the country until 2005, when it withdrew following massive protests prompted by the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. The recent leadership changes in both nations, combined with external pressures, have created an opportunity for renewed diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving longstanding issues, including those related to Syrian refugees and border disputes.
The recent meeting of Syria’s and Lebanon’s leaders signifies a notable shift towards improved diplomatic relations and the potential for collaborative governance. Both nations aim to address critical issues such as refugee crises and border delineations while establishing a foundation of mutual respect. This rapprochement could foster regional stability and development, provided that the leaders of both countries maintain their commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
