Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Damascus for talks with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first such visit in over a decade. This meeting takes place amid strained relations due to recent border security incidents. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s newly-elected President Joseph Aoun is set to visit Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of regional support as Lebanon navigates its political transition.
On January 11, 2023, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati made a significant visit to Damascus, meeting with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This historic engagement marks the first visit by a sitting Lebanese premier to Syria in over ten years. Accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and various security officials, Mikati arrived on a Lebanese commercial flight, following a formal invitation from al-Sharaa issued during a recent phone conversation.
The context of this meeting is particularly noteworthy given Syria’s ongoing political transition following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2022. Al-Sharaa, who played a pivotal role in the coalition that deposed Assad, is currently steering initiatives aimed at stabilizing the country and reestablishing its relationships with regional partners. However, the dynamics between Lebanon and Syria have recently become increasingly strained. Syria has instituted restrictions on cross-border movement due to a series of security incidents along their shared border. Previously, Lebanese citizens enjoyed visa-free access to Syria merely with identification documents, a privilege that is now curtailed.
Moreover, the border area has experienced clashes between Syrian armed factions and Lebanese forces, leading to casualties among the Lebanese military. In a parallel development, newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced he will make an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During their conversation, the Crown Prince extended his congratulations to Aoun on his electoral victory and discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s important role in Lebanon’s stabilization efforts after the prolonged political and security conflicts in the region.
Joseph Aoun, elected with 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes, succeeds former President Michel Aoun, concluding over two years of political impasse in Lebanon. His leadership comes at a time of crucial support from the United States and Saudi Arabia, as analysts anticipate their involvement will be key to Lebanon’s reconstruction following extensive conflicts involving Hezbollah.
The article discusses the recent visit of Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Damascus, which marks a significant diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Syria after a lengthy hiatus. It highlights the context of this visit, considering the recent political upheaval in Syria with the departure of President Bashar al-Assad and the ongoing security issues along the Lebanese-Syrian border. Additionally, the article touches upon the implications of this visit within the framework of Lebanon’s recent presidential elections and the supportive role that Saudi Arabia is expected to play in Lebanon’s recovery.
In conclusion, the visit of Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Damascus signifies a pivotal moment in Lebanese-Syrian relations, reflective of a changing political landscape. Amidst heightened tensions and recent security concerns, this diplomatic engagement underscores the need for dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. With the election of President Joseph Aoun and his forthcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding Lebanon and restoring stability in the region.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
