Lebanon’s interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Syria for the first time in 15 years

Damascus (QJ) –  Lebanon’s interim Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stated that Beirut and Damascus will cooperate in securing their land borders and demarcating their territorial and maritime boundaries.

On Saturday, during the first visit by a Lebanese prime minister to neighboring Syria in 15 years, Mikati spoke at a joint press conference in Damascus with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa mentioned that they discussed issues including human smuggling between the two countries, border challenges, and Syria’s financial reserves held in Lebanese banks.

He expressed hope for a “long-term strategic relationship” with Lebanon, especially following Lebanon’s election of a much-needed president.

“We and Lebanon have shared interests,” al-Sharaa added. Both parties agreed to establish committees to address these issues.

 

Lebanon’s eastern border is porous and notorious for smuggling activities.

The Lebanese group Hezbollah had supported Assad’s fighters during Syria’s civil war. However, Iran-aligned militants have been weakened after clashes with Israel resulted in the killing of Hezbollah’s longtime leader and diminished the group’s military capability. This, in turn, helped Syrian rebels capture Damascus last month.