Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam concluded his visit to Damascus on Saturday by emphasizing tighter border controls, anti-smuggling efforts, and expanded Lebanese-Syrian security coordination, signaling a shift in Beirut’s approach toward Syria amid growing pressure over Hezbollah-linked activity along the border.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Salam said Lebanon and Syria agreed on the need for stricter border enforcement and stronger cooperation to prevent smuggling “in all its forms.”
“We emphasized the necessity of tightening border controls and preventing smuggling in all its forms,” Salam said, while also stressing the importance of continued dialogue and coordination between both countries.
The trip came only days after Syrian authorities announced the discovery of tunnels and cells allegedly linked to Hezbollah near the Lebanese-Syrian frontier, developments that intensified regional concerns regarding cross-border weapons transfers and unauthorized armed activity.
Security file takes center stage
While the Lebanese government officially framed the visit as economic and developmental, the discussions ultimately centered on security coordination and state control over the border.
According to statements made following the meetings, Lebanese and Syrian officials discussed illegal crossings, cross-border smuggling, border inspection mechanisms, transport and transit issues, and the implementation of prisoner transfer agreements.
Salam also confirmed discussions regarding follow-up to the judicial agreement governing the transfer of Syrian detainees from Lebanese prisons.
The visit reflects growing recognition inside Beirut that border security has become inseparable from the broader debate surrounding Hezbollah’s weapons, regional smuggling routes, and Lebanese sovereignty.
For years, large sections of the Lebanese-Syrian border have remained porous, with repeated accusations that weapons, fighters, and illicit goods move across unofficial crossings beyond effective state control, tied to Hezbollah and regional Iranian networks.
Toward deeper Lebanese-Syrian coordination
Salam said the discussions resulted in an agreement to intensify political and ministerial coordination between Beirut and Damascus.
He also announced plans to launch a joint Lebanese-Syrian business council aimed at expanding economic cooperation.
“We will continue consultations on the political level and intensify communication at the ministerial level,” Salam said.
The visit is widely viewed as part of a broader recalibration in Lebanese-Syrian relations after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
Beyond trade and development, the visit carried clear strategic implications. It comes as Lebanon faces increasing domestic and international pressure to reinforce state authority, tighten border oversight, and curb armed activity operating outside official institutions.
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