Lebanese Prime Minister meets with controversial Syrian government

In Damascus, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati made his first official visit to meet with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. This visit marks a significant moment in the wake of years of strained relations stemming from the Syrian civil war and Lebanon's internal political climate. Since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, previous Lebanese governments had avoided engaging with Syria due to concerns over Hezbollah's support for Assad and the volatile situation in both countries. However, following the election of Joseph Aoun as president of Lebanon, Mikati’s visit is seen as an opportunity to mend ties and foster cooperation. During their discussions, both leaders emphasized the importance of establishing lasting relations based on mutual respect and national sovereignty. Al-Sharaa remarked on the benefits of strategic collaboration, expressing hope that a period of stability in Lebanon could enhance bilateral relations. He underscored the need for negotiations and dialogue to address outstanding issues that have long affected both nations, especially regarding the more than one million Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Mikati noted the urgency of addressing the refugee situation to alleviate the strain on Lebanon’s economy. The visit also highlighted the historical context of Syrian involvement in Lebanon, where it had previously exercised significant influence. The reinstatement of diplomatic meetings is a departure from the past, as the last visit by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria took place in 2010 before the conflict escalated. Many Lebanese officials have indicated that the return of Syrian refugees is a priority, as it's affecting Lebanon’s already struggling economy, further complicated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic and recent conflicts. As the political landscape evolves in both countries, the prospect of working together to tackle issues like border security and economic recovery becomes increasingly critical. Lebanon hopes to delineate its maritime borders with Syria to facilitate offshore gas extraction. Both leaders have announced intentions to form a joint committee to address border security and resolve smuggling concerns. While there are challenges ahead, there is cautious optimism that bilateral relations could lead to positive outcomes for both nations in the near future.