ALBAWABA- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam paid a landmark visit to Syria, where he met with interim President Ahmed Al-Shara’a in Damascus to discuss a reset in bilateral relations after months of border tensions and unresolved political disputes.
“My visit to Damascus today aims to open a new page in the history of relations between the two countries, based on mutual respect, restoring trust, good neighborliness, preserving the sovereignty of our two countries, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs,” Salam posted on X, emphasizing that “Syria’s decision is for the Syrians, and Lebanon’s decision is for the Lebanese.”
The visit comes on the heels of violent clashes in March between the Lebanese Army and Syrian forces near the disputed village of Hawsh Sayyid Ali along the eastern border. The Syrian government accused Hezbollah of kidnapping and executing three Syrian security officers.
Hezbollah denied the allegations, while Lebanese sources claimed the Syrians were shot by local tribesmen who feared an attack.
During the meeting, Salam and Al-Shara’a discussed the need for enhanced coordination on border and crossing control, the prevention of smuggling, and efforts to move toward demarcating both land and maritime boundaries.
These issues had previously been raised in a Saudi-sponsored meeting between the countries’ defense ministers in Jeddah.
One of the key topics was the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, with coordination from the United Nations and support from regional and international partners.
Discussions also addressed the fate of Lebanese nationals missing or detained in Syria, and Lebanon’s request for Damascus to extradite wanted individuals, including those implicated in major crimes such as the bombing of Al-Taqwa and Al-Salam mosques and the assassination of President Bashir Gemayel.
On the economic front, both sides explored opportunities for cooperation, including reopening trade and transit routes, importing oil and gas, and resuming civil aviation ties. They also agreed to review bilateral agreements under the framework of the Lebanese-Syrian Supreme Council.
The visit marks the first high-level Lebanese engagement with Syria’s interim government since the recent escalation and signals a potential thaw in strained ties, with broader regional implications.
