Media sources revealed that the meeting of the Lebanese defense ministers, Michel Mansi and the Syrian Muhlaf Abu Qasra, from the Syrian capital, Damascus, to the Saudi city of Jeddah, where he was scheduled to be held today, Wednesday, but it was postponed to take place today. This delay came at the request of the Syrian side, according to Lebanese media reports, without giving additional details.
The goals of the meeting and security coordination
The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening security coordination between the two countries, demarcating the common borders, and exchanging intelligence information, especially in light of the recent escalation on the borders. The meeting also comes days after reaching a ceasefire agreement between the two sides, following violent clashes that resulted in deaths and injuries.
Recent tensions background
The Syrian-Lebanese border witnessed an escalation of security tensions during the last period, as the Syrian army accused members of the Lebanese Hezbollah of entering the Syrian territories, kidnapping and killing three of its soldiers, which was denied by the Lebanese group. For its part, the Lebanese army declared strengthening its spread on the border, closing a number of illegal crossings, and handing over the bodies of the Syrian soldiers to the Syrian authorities.
Possible repercussions and the future of bilateral relations
Observers believe that this meeting may pave the way for a new stage of security cooperation between the two countries, especially in light of the international and regional efforts of border stability. However, the challenges remain, especially as there are continuing differences over the role of some factions and their impact on border security.
These discussions are expected to come out with practical recommendations to enhance confidence between the two sides, and to set clear mechanisms to prevent any future escalation, in a way that serves the stability of the region as a whole.
