Lebanon's interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Damascus on Saturday for talks with Syria's newly inaugurated leader, Ahmed al-Shara, marking a significant step in renewing ties between the two nations.

Mikati's visit, the first by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria since 2010, came at the invitation of al-Shara, according to a statement from the Lebanese prime minister's office. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib and the heads of Lebanon's three security agencies.

The Lebanese delegation landed at Damascus International Airport on a Lebanese Airlines flight, signifying the first high-level visit since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8.

Discussions between Mikati and al-Shara focused on enhancing bilateral relations, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of fostering mutual respect and cooperation. This meeting follows al-Shara’s promise to Lebanese Druze leader Walid Canbolat on December 22 that Syria would no longer interfere negatively in Lebanon and would uphold its sovereignty.

The visit is seen as a turning point in Lebanese-Syrian relations, with both countries aiming to rebuild ties that were strained in the past. The last Lebanese prime minister to visit Damascus was Saad Hariri in 2010.

Observers are hopeful that the talks will pave the way for greater collaboration in addressing shared challenges and ensuring regional stability. (ILKHA)