Lebanon and Syria pledge firm, 'long-term' ties between countries

Syria's new ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati pledge to build lasting ties between their two countries, in the first such visit to Damascus by a Lebanese head of government since the outbreak of war in Syria in 2011.

The meeting now oversees Al-Sharaa, who led the coalition that toppled al-Assad, efforts to stabilize Syria and rebuild its regional relationships. Relations between the two neighboring countries have grown tense in recent weeks. Syria recently imposed restrictions on cross-border movement following security incidents along the shared border.

Previously, Lebanese citizens could enter Syria visa-free using only identification documents. The border region has also seen a series of clashes between Syrian armed groups and Lebanese forces, resulting in casualties among Lebanese military personnel.