Sat Jan 11 16:06:08 UTC 2025: ## Lebanon and Syria Pledge Cooperation After 15-Year Hiatus in High-Level Talks
**DAMASCUS** – In a significant development, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati concluded a historic visit to Syria on Saturday, marking the first such trip by a Lebanese prime minister in 15 years. Meeting with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, Mikati and al-Sharaa pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation to address pressing issues including border security and smuggling.
The two leaders held a joint press conference, highlighting their commitment to combating cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs, a long-standing problem along Lebanon’s porous eastern border. They agreed to form joint committees to tackle this issue, along with challenges related to land and maritime border demarcation and the management of Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks.
Al-Sharaa expressed optimism for strengthened, long-term strategic relations between the two countries, particularly following Lebanon’s recent presidential election. He also emphasized Syria’s commitment to finding a solution for the large Syrian refugee population in Lebanon, estimated at 1.5 million, which poses a significant strain on Lebanon’s fragile economy.
Mikati’s visit comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations, with Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun expressing hope for equitable dialogue with Syria. The meeting signifies a potential turning point in relations, following a period of strained ties and Syria’s military presence in Lebanon which concluded in 2005. While Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, supported the Syrian government during the Syrian civil war, the recent weakening of the group following a conflict with Israel may be contributing to the improved atmosphere. The Syrian civil war, spanning over 13 years, has resulted in a devastating loss of life and widespread displacement.
First Piper 