Lebanon and Syria Move Toward Enhanced Security Cooperation in Jeddah Talks

Syria and Lebanon signed an agreement emphasizing the strategic importance of demarcating the borders between the two countries, Al Ekhbariya reported early on Friday.

The defense ministers of Lebanon and Syria met in Jeddah on Thursday to coordinate and enhance cooperation on security and military issues.

The sides will form legal and specialized committees in a number of fields, and will activate bilateral coordination mechanisms to deal with security and military challenges, especially those that may arise on the border area.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who facilitated the talks, said he hoped the agreement marks a new phase in relations between the two neighbors.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the discussion and agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Border tensions flared up earlier in March after the new authorities in Syria accused Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of kidnapping three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them.

The Iran-backed group, which fought alongside the forces of toppled Syrian president Bashar Assad, denied involvement.

Cross-border clashes that followed left seven Lebanese dead.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said it supported Syria and Lebanon resolving their differences through political and diplomatic dialogue while upholding sovereignty, stability, and international law, according to Asharq.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its full support for all that achieves security and stability in Syria and Lebanon and contributes to preserving security and stability in the region, Al Ekhbariya reported.