Lebanon’s PM meets Syria’s de facto leader in Damascus

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that Beirut and Damascus will work together to secure their shared land border and demarcate both land and maritime boundaries. This marks the first visit by a Lebanese Prime Minister to neighboring Syria in 15 years.

Mikati held a joint press conference in the capital Damascus on Saturday with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed Shala. Shala said that they discussed issues including smuggling between the two countries, border challenges, and Syrian deposits in Lebanese banks. He also stated that he anticipates a "long-term strategic relationship" with neighboring Lebanon after the crisis-hit country elects a much-needed president. "We and Lebanon have huge common interests," Shala added.

Both sides agreed to form committees to address these issues and provide support. Al Jazeera's Hamza Mohamed, reporting from Damascus, stated that the leaders agreed to work to prevent smuggling between the two countries. “Smugglers used to move weapons and drugs from Syria to Lebanon,” he said. “This is very important for the Lebanese leader, and he mentioned it,” our correspondent added. The eastern Lebanese border is porous and known for smuggling activities.

The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah provided fighters to support Assad during the Syrian civil war. However, Hezbollah's long-time leaders have been killed, its firepower has been damaged, and its strength has been diminished in its war with Israel, which prompted Syrian rebels to seize Damascus last month. Al Jazeera's Mohamed also said that Shala stressed that his country is working to find a solution to the issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon – a huge burden on Lebanon's paralyzed economy. It is estimated that Lebanon hosts about 1.5 million Syrian refugees who fled the civil war that began in 2011.

The nearly 13-year conflict has killed more than 500,000 people, devastated the economy, and forced millions to flee their homes, becoming displaced both internally and abroad. Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that there is a historic opportunity for a “serious and fair dialogue” with Syria. For five decades under the Assad family, Syria has wielded significant influence over Lebanon, maintaining a 29-year military presence, much to the widespread opposition of many Lebanese. Syria finally withdrew its troops in 2005 under international pressure following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.