In first by Lebanese PM since 2010, Mikati meets al-Sharaa in Damascus

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies + Al Mayadeen
Today 15:00

The leader of the new administration in Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, says he believes there will be long-term strategic relations with Lebanon based on right and sound foundations.

A picture shows Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (L) meeting with the head of Syria's new administration Ahmad al-Sharaa (R), at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria, on January 11, 2025 (SANA)

Good neighborliness and respect for sovereignty are the basis for relations between Lebanon and Syria, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati indicated Saturday from the Syrian capital Damascus.

Al-Sharaa exhibited responsiveness in discussing the file of Syrian refugees in Lebanon in order to ensure their safe return to their country, Mikati said during a press conference following his meeting with the leader of the new administration in Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa.

On his part, al-Sharaa said he believes there will be long-term strategic relations with Lebanon based on right and sound foundations.

قائد الإدارة السورية الجديدة أحمد الشرع ووزير الخارجية أسعد الشيباني يستقبلان وفداً لبنانياً رفيع المستوى في قصر الشعب برئاسة نجيب ميقاتي رئيس مجلس الوزراء اللبناني#سورية #لبنان #سانا pic.twitter.com/QnSRrWwyj3
— الوكالة العربية السورية للأنباء - سانا (@SanaAjel) January 11, 2025

However, he pointed out that he does not expect that the problems between the two countries will be resolved all at once, but rather this will be done gradually.

Earlier, al-Sharaa welcomed Mikati at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, in a visit that marked the first by a Lebanese Prime Minister to Syria since 2010.

The Lebanese delegation accompanying Mikati includes caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Acting Director General of General Security Major General Elias al-Baysari, Army Intelligence Director Brigadier General Tony Kahwaji, and Deputy Director General of State Security Brigadier General Hassan Choucair.

On the Syrian side, the delegation comprises Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Intelligence Chief Anas Khattab, and al-Sharaa’s Chief of Staff, Ali Kadah.

Al-Sharaa welcomed Mikati at the entrance of the Presidential Palace.

The Lebanese premier received an invitation from al-Sharaa during a phone call last week to visit Syria. The purpose of the visit is to discuss shared issues between the two countries and strengthen bilateral relations.

On Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was sworn in before the Lebanese Parliament following his election in the second round of voting. In his inaugural address, the newly elected President advocated for pragmatic dialogue with neighboring Syria to address shared issues.

He pledged to establish "good relations with the Syrian state" and called for a serious dialogue with Syria based on mutual respect for the sovereignty of both nations and safeguarding their shared borders.

"We have an opportunity for meaningful and respectful dialogue with Syria to resolve mutual concerns," Aoun indicated.