Lebanon to work with Syria to strengthen borders

Lebanon and Syria have agreed to collaborate on securing their land borders and delineating both land and sea boundaries, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Saturday during a visit to Damascus.

The trip marked the first visit by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria in 15 years. Mikati addressed a joint news conference with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, discussing issues including smuggling, border security, and Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati meet with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, Syria, January 11, 2025.Reuetrs

Both nations agreed to establish joint committees to tackle these issues and enhance cooperation.

"The committees will work to address shared challenges and provide mutual support," al-Sharaa said.

The visit comes days after Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun called for "serious and equitable dialogue" with Syria, describing it as a historic opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations.

Syria's influence over Lebanon has long been a point of contention. For nearly three decades, Syria maintained a military presence in Lebanon, withdrawing in 2005 after widespread opposition among Lebanese citizens.

Mikati’s trip signals a potential shift in relations between the two neighbors, which have historically been intertwined both politically and economically.