Defense ministers from Syria and Lebanon have signed a border security agreement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed at strengthening cooperation against escalating cross-border threats.
The accord follows recent violence that left 10 dead, highlighting the urgent need for stability along the shared border.
The high-level meeting, held under the directives of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, brought together Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Syrian Minister of Defense Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Lebanese Minister of Defense Major General Michel Menassa, along with security delegations from both nations.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the agreement prioritizes:
Border demarcation and security coordination to prevent illegal activities and military threats.
The establishment of joint legal and specialized committees to address security concerns.
Enhanced military and intelligence cooperation between Syria and Lebanon.
Both sides agreed to hold follow-up meetings in Saudi Arabia to ensure continued collaboration.
The deal comes amid heightened tensions following Syrian allegations that Hezbollah kidnapped and killed three Syrian soldiers on Lebanese soil The incident led to retaliatory clashes, resulting in seven Lebanese casualties.
While a visit by Lebanon’s defense minister to Damascus was postponed due to Syria’s internal governmental reshuffling, officials stress that the delay was unrelated to diplomatic tensions.
Had the visit proceeded, it would have marked the first Lebanese cabinet-level trip to Syria since Beirut formed its new government in February.
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