Border demarcation between Syria and Lebanon and the return of refugees top discussions between Sharaa and Salam

Lebanese Prime Minister: My visit to Damascus opens a "new page" in relations between the two countries

Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed on Monday the demarcation of the land and maritime borders between the two countries, the return of refugees, and the fate of missing persons and detainees, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese government.

The Lebanese Prime Minister said his visit to Syria opens "a new page in the course of relations between the two countries based on mutual respect, the restoration of trust, good neighborliness, the preservation of sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs." The two countries agreed to form a ministerial committee comprising the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, interior, and justice to follow up on "all issues of common interest," according to the statement.

Sharaa received Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the People's Palace in Damascus on Monday, heading a delegation that included the ministers of defense, interior, and foreign affairs. This was his first visit since the Lebanese government was formed last February.

"Border Control"
The Lebanese Prime Minister's Office explained that Salam discussed with Sharaa and Syrian officials "border and crossing control, preventing smuggling, and ultimately demarcating the land and sea borders," referring to the "Jeddah meeting" that brought together the defense ministers of the two countries under Saudi auspices.

The Lebanese government noted that "both sides emphasized strengthening security coordination to preserve the stability of both countries."

The 330-kilometer border between Lebanon and Syria includes illegal crossings, often used for the smuggling of people, goods, and weapons. Last month, the border area witnessed tensions that resulted in casualties on both sides.