Lebanon and Syria’s defence ministers met in Jeddah to discuss border security amid recent clashes. An agreement was made to demarcate borders and activate coordination mechanisms for security. Tensions remain as historical disputes linger, with Saudi Arabia offering continued support for regional stability.
The defence ministers of Lebanon and Syria convened in Jeddah to address border security issues, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This meeting took place amid escalating tensions and deadly clashes along the Syrian-Lebanese border. Hosted by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, the discussion aimed to enhance security and stability between the two neighbors.
An agreement was reached to demarcate the border and create specialized committees, alongside activating coordination mechanisms to tackle security challenges. A follow-up meeting is anticipated in Saudi Arabia in the near future. The Saudi kingdom pledged its support for securing stability in both countries.
Initially, meetings were scheduled to take place in Syria but were postponed. Recent clashes led to significant casualties, exacerbating the already tense situation. Despite the ceasefire, unresolved underlying issues threaten future peace at the Lebanon-Syria border, as noted by a Western diplomatic source.
The fraught relationship between Lebanon and Syria has historical roots, and recent conflicts have hindered diplomatic efforts initiated post-Bashar Al Assad’s presidency. Clashes have occurred between Syrian forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, with ongoing accusations from Damascus regarding Hezbollah’s continued arms smuggling operations from Iran. Syrian authorities are targeting Hezbollah-linked smuggling rings to maintain border security.
The meeting between Lebanon and Syria’s defence ministers marks a significant step towards addressing border security amid ongoing tensions. While a ceasefire has been established and agreements made for future collaboration, underlying conflicts and historical disputes present challenges to lasting stability. The commitment of Saudi Arabia to support both nations indicates a broader regional interest in maintaining peace.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
