### Lebanon and Syria: A New Chapter in Diplomatic Relations In a significant diplomatic development, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited Syria on April 15, 2025, leading a high-level ministerial delegation to meet with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This visit marks the first major engagement between the two nations since the fall of Bashar Assad's government in December 2024. The discussions focused on establishing a joint committee to implement a border security pact, demarcate the shared border, and address issues related to smuggling and illegal crossings [https://apnews.com/video/lebanons-prime-minister-gives-details-of-talks-with-syrian-president-in-damascus-dd9e4ecc64fa46fd90d48c7eee44fa96]. ### Key Aspects of the Diplomatic Engagement 1. **High-Level Delegation**: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam led a significant ministerial delegation, indicating the importance of the talks for both countries [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/apr/15/lebanese-delegation-meets-syrian-leader]. 2. **Border Security and Demarcation**: The primary focus of the discussions was on border security, including the demarcation of land and sea borders, which is crucial for preventing illegal activities [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrias-sharaa-lebanese-pm-discuss-border-demarcation-weeks-after-ceasefire-2025-04-14]. 3. **Ceasefire Context**: The meeting occurred weeks after a ceasefire agreement that ended cross-border clashes, highlighting the need for improved security coordination [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3345826-lebanon-and-syria-forge-a-new-diplomatic-pathway]. 4. **Historical Significance**: This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in re-establishing bilateral relations, especially following the regime change in Syria [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3345830-lebanon-and-syria-forge-a-new-diplomatic-pathway]. ### Supporting Evidence and Context - **Recent Developments**: The discussions come after a series of cross-border skirmishes, emphasizing the urgency of addressing border security [https://www.thestar.com/news/world/middle-east/lebanons-prime-minister-visits-syrian-president-to-discuss-border-demarcation-and-security/article_fa47f8cd-b6e3-5820-9e66-4af82e204774.html]. - **Joint Committee Formation**: The agreement to form a joint committee is a proactive step towards implementing the border security pact, which aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/lebanon-pm-meets-syria-s-leader-on-trip-seeking-new-page-in-ties-101744653510879.html]. - **Future Prospects**: The visit is expected to pave the way for further discussions on various issues, including the fate of Lebanese individuals missing in Syrian prisons [https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/04/14/lebanese-prime-minister-nawaf-salam-makes-first-visit-to-syria-since-taking-office]. ### Conclusion: A Step Towards Stability The recent diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Syria, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, signifies a potential turning point in their historically complex relationship. 1. **Significant Visit**: The visit is the first of its kind since the political upheaval in Syria, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/14/lebanese-prime-minister-nawaf-salam-visits-syrian-president-discuss]. 2. **Focus on Security**: The emphasis on border security and demarcation is crucial for both nations to prevent future conflicts and enhance cooperation [https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrias-sharaa-lebanese-pm-discuss-border-demarcation-weeks-after-ceasefire-2025-04-14]. 3. **Future Engagements**: The formation of a joint committee and ongoing discussions may lead to a more stable and cooperative relationship moving forward [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3345826-lebanon-and-syria-forge-a-new-diplomatic-pathway]. This visit not only aims to address immediate security concerns but also seeks to lay the groundwork for a more collaborative future between Lebanon and Syria.