• Lebanon's Najib Mikati made a historic visit to Syria, the first by a Lebanese PM in 15 years.
• Both leaders emphasized the urgency of securing their borders and addressing smuggling.
• The issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, currently around 1.5 million, was acknowledged as a priority.
• Efforts to establish a joint committee for delineating land and sea borders were discussed.
• Al-Sharaa expressed hope for long-term strategic relations following Lebanon's election of President Joseph Aoun.

In a significant development for Lebanon and Syria, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Damascus for a crucial meeting with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. This meeting represents the first visit by a Lebanese head of government to Syria in over 15 years and comes amidst a backdrop of historical tension between the nations since their independence in the 1940s. The leaders convened to discuss a range of pressing issues, notably focusing on strengthening their shared border security and delineating both land and maritime borders, a topic that Mikati labeled as a top priority.

During a joint news conference, Mikati highlighted the agreement to form committees aimed at preventing illegal smuggling, which has historically plagued the Lebanon-Syria border. The porous nature of the 330-kilometer border facilitates weapons and drug trafficking, a major concern for the Lebanese leadership. Al-Sharaa conveyed that there is potential for "long-term strategic relations" between the two countries, emphasizing the necessity to "give the Syrian and Lebanese people a chance to build a positive relationship."

Central to discussions was the status of approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees currently residing in Lebanon. Both leaders noted the urgency of addressing this issue, which has placed considerable strain on Lebanon's economy, further exacerbated by its ongoing financial crisis. Mikati remarked that the return of refugees would benefit both nations and that establishing stability in the region should be the ultimate goal.

Additionally, discussions touched on the situation surrounding Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks, which have been inaccessible amidst Lebanon's financial turmoil. Mikati expressed hope for improved relations as both countries navigate their challenging political landscapes. This meeting seemingly marks a new era in the diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria, particularly following the election of President Joseph Aoun, who has signaled his intent for a constructive dialogue with Syria.

Both leaders have recognized that despite their tumultuous past, the future holds plenty of opportunities for collaboration. Al-Sharaa invoked the need for mutual respect and shared interests moving forward, aiming for a cohesive dialogue to resolve long-standing challenges. The fragile relationship between these neighbors will be closely monitored as they attempt to foster a more stable partnership in the coming years. For further details, refer to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and VOA News.