Mikati: It is in the interest of both countries to swiftly address the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon
Saturday, Jan 11, 2025
NA - Outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati said that "historical ties, good neighborliness and solid and balanced relations between the Lebanese and Syrian peoples constitute the basis of existing or future relations and cooperation between the two countries, in all fields."
He stressed that it is now "essential, in the interest of both countries, to swiftly address the issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon, a file that has been exerting considerable pressure on the entire country for years."
Mikati also stressed "the need to strengthen joint and reciprocal measures on the border to protect the security and sovereignty of the two nations, while preventing any action that could harm their stability."
He added: "Some border issues must be fully controlled, especially in the areas of illegal crossings, in order to put an end to smuggling operations between Lebanon and Syria. We will cooperate in this area, while continuing the file of border delimitation. A joint Lebanese-Syrian commission will be formed to carry out this work."
For his part, the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmad Sharaa, said:
"We hope that the Lebanese people can turn the page on past relations between Syria and Lebanon, marked by negative effects that harmed both peoples. We want to offer an opportunity to our two nations to build a positive relationship based on mutual respect and the sovereignty of each state."
He assured that "Syria will adopt an impartial position towards all parties in Lebanon, and we will strive to resolve problems and disputes through consultation and dialogue."
He added that "the current priority in Syria is to stabilize the internal situation, strengthen security and limit the possession of weapons to the state, in order to reassure neighboring countries." The outgoing Prime Minister, accompanied by a delegation, traveled to Syria on Saturday to meet Ahmad Charaa at the People's Palace in Damascus.
After a one-on-one meeting between Mr. Mikati and Mr. Charaa, broader discussions took place, bringing together on the Lebanese side, the outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdallah Bou Habib, the acting Director General of General Security, General Elias Baïssari, the Director of the Army Intelligence Service, General Tony Kahwaji, and the Deputy Director of State Security, General Hassan Chekir. On the Syrian side, the discussions brought together Foreign Minister Assad Chibani, Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab and Mr. Charaa’s chief of staff Ali Kaddah. The discussions continued at a lunch hosted by Mr. Charaa in honor of Mr. Mikati and the Lebanese delegation.