Lebanese PM Meets Syrian Leader, Calls for Swift Resolution to Refugee Crisis
Image Source: Arab News
Damascus: Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on Saturday during his first official visit to Damascus to engage with the newly formed Syrian government. Discussions centred on addressing the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis, according to The New York Times.
The Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Mikati met with Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in the Syrian capital. In a post on X, Mikati emphasised the importance of fostering “historical ties, good neighbourliness, and close, equal relations” between Lebanon and Syria. He reiterated that these principles should guide the cooperation between the two nations.
Al-Sharaa, who now leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist group that ousted former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month, played a key role in the discussions. The meeting marked a significant step in efforts to stabilise the region after the seismic political shifts in Syria.
At a joint press conference, Mikati called for a swift resolution to the Syrian refugee crisis. Lebanon, which has hosted over one million refugees since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, continues to grapple with the challenges of displacement. While some refugees have returned to Syria, many remain in Lebanon.
“It has become urgent today—in the interest of both countries—to deal with this issue as quickly as possible and return the displaced to a Syria that is thankfully recovering,” Mikati said, expressing confidence in al-Sharaa’s support for the initiative.
Al-Sharaa, however, was more cautious in his remarks. While he acknowledged discussions on various issues, including border security, he refrained from making explicit commitments about refugee repatriation.
“We have a lot of problems in Syria,” al-Sharaa stated. “We won’t be able to solve them all at once. We have to divide them up and look for solutions to each one.”
Mikati’s visit follows the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s president earlier this week, ending a two-year presidential vacancy. Aoun is expected to begin consultations for appointing a new prime minister soon.
Separately, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha recently held talks with al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani in Damascus. The discussions reportedly focused on restoring ties and exploring strategic partnerships between the two nations. Al-Shibani highlighted the shared hardships of Syria and Ukraine, signalling a potential warming of relations.
This meeting represents one of the most significant diplomatic engagements since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024.
Team Profile
Latest entries
News20 February 2025“We Wanted Behenji to Fight With Us Against BJP,” Said Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati Fires Back, Calls Congress ‘Casteist
News20 February 2025Delhi Breaks Barriers: Rekha Gupta’s Oath Makes It the State with Most Women CMs
News19 February 2025Rekha Gupta Set to Become Delhi’s First Woman CM in 27 Years – Swearing-In Tomorrow at Ramlila Maidan!
Hindi25 January 2025पीटीआई ने पाकिस्तान सरकार के साथ फिर से बातचीत शुरू करने की सशर्त इच्छा जताई
