In a significant move to enhance border security and combat illicit activities, Lebanon and Syria have agreed to form a joint committee. The announcement followed a meeting between Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Border Security Pact
The primary focus of this collaborative effort is to implement a recently established border security pact. Key objectives include the precise demarcation of the shared border and a concerted crackdown on smuggling and illegal crossings, which have long plagued the region. This initiative aims to address the persistent challenges of cross-border crime and enhance regional stability.
Internal and External Developments
President al-Sharaa’s administration has also extended the deadline for the fact-finding committee investigating the Alawite killings by three months. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to addressing internal issues and ensuring accountability. Simultaneously, in a development signaling shifting alliances, South Korea has established diplomatic relations with Syria, a move perceived as a setback for North Korea, which previously considered Damascus an ally until the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
These developments occur against the backdrop of recent leadership changes in Syria, with Ahmad al-Sharaa assuming the presidency after a period of intense conflict and the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The new government is actively working to stabilize the nation and tackle various internal and external challenges, with border security being a paramount concern.