Lebanese PM Najib Mikati announces historic visit to syria following rebel takeover
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is set to visit Damascus in the coming days, marking the first official visit by Lebanese leadership to Syria since Islamist-led rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad last month. Information Minister Ziad Makary confirmed the news on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting, describing the trip as a significant step in rebuilding ties between the two neighbouring nations.
Bilateral relations amid border tensions
The announcement comes in the wake of heightened tensions along the Lebanon-Syria border. Last week, Syria imposed new entry restrictions on Lebanese nationals, requiring visas for the first time. This move followed a border skirmish in which the Lebanese army clashed with armed Syrians attempting to block an illegal crossing. Five Lebanese soldiers were reportedly injured in the incident.
Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria freely with only a passport or ID card. Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi acknowledged the issue and stated that Lebanon was actively seeking a resolution to the new travel restrictions.
Prime Minister Mikati has already spoken with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, regarding the border incident and broader bilateral relations. During the call, al-Sharaa extended an invitation for an official visit, which Mikati has now accepted.
Divisions within lebanon over ties to syria
The planned visit has stirred debate in Lebanon, where political factions remain deeply divided over relations with Damascus. The schism stems largely from Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian civil war, during which the group provided military support to Assad’s regime.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem recently acknowledged the strategic challenges posed by Assad’s fall, admitting that his group could no longer rely on Syria as a supply route for military equipment. This shift underscores the profound implications of the new Syrian leadership on Lebanon’s political and security dynamics.
Syria’s new leadership promises non-interference
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed de facto control in Syria after the rebel takeover, has sought to reassure Lebanon of his government’s intentions. Last month, during a meeting with visiting Lebanese Druze leaders, al-Sharaa pledged not to interfere negatively in Lebanon’s affairs and affirmed his commitment to respecting the country’s sovereignty.
This marks a stark contrast to Syria’s historical role in Lebanon. For three decades, Syria was the dominant power in Lebanon, having intervened during the 1975-1990 civil war. Syrian troops remained stationed in Lebanon until 2005, when international pressure following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri forced their withdrawal.
A potential turning point
Mikati’s upcoming visit to Damascus could signal a new chapter in Lebanese-Syrian relations. While some view the trip as an opportunity to address pressing security and economic concerns, others remain wary of closer ties with a nation still grappling with political instability and ongoing conflict.
The porous nature of the Lebanon-Syria border has long been a source of tension, with rampant smuggling and intermittent clashes. Strengthening cooperation on border security is expected to feature prominently on Mikati’s agenda during his visit.
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The Lebanese Prime Minister’s trip also highlights the broader regional implications of Syria’s leadership transition. With Hezbollah’s supply routes disrupted and longstanding alliances reshaped, Lebanon’s political landscape faces significant uncertainty.
Rebuilding trust amid regional challenges
As Lebanon contends with its own economic and political crises, fostering stable relations with its neighbour is increasingly vital. Mikati’s visit to Syria offers a chance to rebuild trust and establish a framework for future collaboration, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
With decades of fraught history between the two nations, the visit represents a delicate balancing act for Lebanon, which must navigate internal divisions while addressing external pressures. For Syria, the engagement with Lebanon serves as an opportunity to signal a break from the Assad era and a commitment to regional stability.
As the region watches closely, the outcome of Mikati’s visit will likely shape the trajectory of Lebanese-Syrian relations for years to come.
