The defense ministers of Lebanon and Syria met in Jeddah to address border security following recent clashes. They signed an agreement to establish coordination mechanisms and delineate the border, with support affirmed by Saudi Arabia. Despite the ceasefire, unresolved tensions persist, complicating efforts for improved relations between the two countries.
On Thursday, the defense ministers of Lebanon and Syria convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to address border security issues, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This meeting occurred following recent clashes and heightened tensions along the Syrian-Lebanese border, prompting the signatories to establish a ceasefire. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman facilitated discussions with Lebanese Minister Michel Menassa and Syrian Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, focusing on enhancing security and stability between the two nations.
An agreement was reached to delineate the border, create “legal and specialized committees,” and activate mechanisms for coordination to address security and military challenges, primarily along their shared border. The participants agreed to reconvene in Saudi Arabia for a follow-up meeting. According to the Saudi Press Agency, “The kingdom affirms its full support for everything that achieves the security and stability of the two brotherly countries.”
The ministers were initially scheduled to meet in Syria, but Lebanese security sources indicated that the meeting was postponed due to impending security appointments in Damascus. The month saw an escalation in tensions, marked by clashes between Syrian government forces and Lebanese armed groups, which led to significant casualties, including eight Syrian soldiers and a 15-year-old Lebanese boy.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, underlying issues persist, posing a risk of renewed conflict at the Lebanon-Syria border, as indicated by a diplomatic source. The long and complex relationship between the two nations has faced many challenges, particularly following the downfall of former President Bashar Al Assad. Tensions have been exacerbated by clashes between Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Syrian forces, with Damascus vowing to take action against smugglers associated with Hezbollah in an effort to secure its borders.
The recent meeting between Lebanon and Syria’s defense ministers in Jeddah signifies an initiative to enhance border security and stability, prompted by recent clashes. The signed agreement, which includes mechanisms for coordination, reflects a proactive stance towards addressing ongoing tensions. However, unresolved underlying issues present a significant challenge, and the complex history between the two nations suggests that lasting peace remains precarious.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
