Lebanese PM’s Visit to Syria Sparks Hopes for Renewed Bilateral Ties
By Kardo Roj
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) –
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s forthcoming visit to Damascus is drawing attention across the region as observers speculate whether the trip could mark a turning point in long-fraught Syrian-Lebanese relations.
Salam, who confirmed earlier this week that he will head to the Syrian capital soon, is expected to meet with Syria’s transitional president Ahmad al-Shar’a at the helm of a high-level delegation including security and ministerial officials. The visit is being viewed as a significant diplomatic gesture following years of strained ties between the two neighbors.
Speaking to North Press on Thursday, Dr. Salam Abdulsamad, an expert in international law, described the visit as “essential for restoring structured relations” between the countries, particularly in light of pressing cross-border challenges.
“Lebanon must address the issue of irregular crossings and smuggling across the border with Syria,” Abdulsamad said. “These activities are draining the economies of both states and undermining national security.”
Key agenda items reportedly include enhancing cooperation on border control, reopening official crossings, and developing a regulatory framework for the movement of goods and people. Lebanon has long struggled to manage informal crossings used for smuggling fuel, arms, and subsidized goods — issues that have contributed to bilateral tensions and internal economic instability.
Abdulsamad emphasized the need for both countries to implement mechanisms that would ease civilian movement and reduce bureaucratic barriers, such as establishing visa systems that serve mutual interests.
The refugee crisis is also expected to feature prominently in the upcoming talks. Lebanon hosts over a million Syrian refugees, a politically sensitive issue that has become increasingly central to domestic Lebanese politics.
Lebanese government sources told Kuwait’s Al-Anbaa newspaper that Salam and al-Shar’a plan to “focus on resolving long-standing files,” including refugee return processes, anti-smuggling efforts, and improving economic passage through Syria for Lebanese exports to the broader Arab region.
The visit comes amid subtle shifts in the region’s political landscape. Syria, long isolated diplomatically following the outbreak of civil conflict in 2011, has slowly regained formal ties with several Arab countries, particularly after its readmission to the Arab League in 2023.
As’ad Bishara, a Lebanese political analyst and journalist, told North Press that the time is ripe for normalization.
“Syrian-Lebanese relations are gradually returning to normal, based on mutual sovereignty and respect,” he said. “This visit, if successful, could institutionalize that progress.”
Bishara added that preparing comprehensive dossiers on sensitive issues like trade, energy, and cross-border logistics would be key to ensuring that the visit yields practical outcomes.
“Economic collaboration is a necessity for both sides,” he said. “We’ve already entered a track of normalization. Turning back now would be difficult.”
The meeting, while bilateral in scope, has wider implications for regional stability. Both Syria and Lebanon face significant internal economic and political challenges, as well as shared security concerns — particularly over border control and transnational militant movements.
For northeast Syria, observers note, the prospect of warmer relations between Damascus and Beirut may offer indirect benefits, including the potential easing of trade routes and reduced pressure along border zones. While the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) is not directly party to the discussions, regional developments remain deeply interconnected.
Looking ahead, the outcomes of the Salam-al-Shar’a meeting could shape not only Syrian-Lebanese relations but also broader Arab engagement with Syria’s transitional political path.
Whether this diplomatic overture evolves into sustained coordination will depend on the political will of both governments — and their ability to navigate complex domestic and regional pressures.