Lebanon and Syria Re-Establish Diplomatic Ties Amid Regional Turmoil

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Visits Syria Amid Shift in Relations

Beirut, Lebanon - On May 9, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made his second official visit to Damascus since the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024. The trip coincides with ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, as well as Syria.

Salam’s visit marks a continuation of a new framework for relations between Lebanon and Syria, analysts say. This follows years of Syrian influence over Lebanese politics and security. In October 2024, the Higher Council, which symbolized Syrian tutelage, was suspended. Embassies have also been established on both sides.

The fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024 has altered the dynamic between Lebanon and Syria. The new government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, aims to return the country to international relations, remove sanctions, and play an economic role in the region.

Lebanon’s relationship with Syria dates back to their founding as modern nations. The implementation of borders changed societal, economic, and political realities for both countries. In 1971, President Hafez al-Assad came to power in Syria, leading to Lebanon’s civil war in 1976. Syria occupied parts of Lebanon until 2005, when protests expelled the Syrian presence.

The new relationship between Lebanon and Syria focuses on sovereignty and cooperation. Damascus has stated its intention to treat Lebanon as an equal, rather than a territory to control or an arena for battles. Priorities include border control and demarcation, the transfer of Syrian detainees held in Lebanese prisons, and economic cooperation.

In December 2024, Syrian opposition groups launched an operation to take government-controlled areas from the al-Assad regime. The fall of al-Assad brought an end to five decades of dynastic family rule in Syria. A 2011 uprising against him was violently suppressed by the regime, leading to a war that destroyed vast areas of the country.

Syria under al-Assad was isolated from the international community and suffered from repeated sanctions. The new government aims to change this dynamic, with President al-Sharaa stating his commitment to cooperation and normalization with Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera