This photo distributed by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on March 27, 2025, shows a meeting between the Saudi Arabia's Minister of Defense, Khaled bin Salman (center), Syria's Minister of Defense, Mourhaf Abou Qasra (left), and Lebanon's Minister of Defense, Michel Menassa, in Jeddah. (Credit: AFP/HO/SPA)
BEIRUT — Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers reached an agreement on Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for enhanced security and military cooperation along their shared border. The agreement underscores efforts to address threats stemming from the porous border, which has been a hotbed for smuggling and cross-border violence.
Lebanese Minister Michel Menassa and Syrian Minister Mourhaf Abou Qasra met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Thursday to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly border security. The meeting, held in the Saudi city of Jeddah, aimed to reinforce stability and prevent further escalation of tensions between the two countries, according to Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Border demarcation and coordination
The two countries share a 330-kilometer border, much of which remains undemarcated, contributing to ongoing security challenges. In mid-March, clashes between Lebanese and Syrian armed groups near the border resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people. The lack of a clear border demarcation and the porous nature of the frontier have fueled smuggling activities and military confrontations.
The agreement signed in Jeddah emphasizes the "strategic importance of border demarcation" and the activation of "coordination mechanisms to address security and military threats, particularly those originating along the border." According to SPA, the ministers also agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia to review progress and strengthen their cooperation on border issues.
Saudi Arabia's 'significant' role in regional stability
The Saudi role in mediating the agreement was widely praised by Lebanese political figures. Walid Baarini, a former member of the Future Movement and a representative from Akkar, commended Saudi Arabia's leadership in resolving regional issues. He wrote on X that the agreement "confirms the significant role of the Kingdom in resolving Arab issues."
Fouad Makhzoumi, an independent parliamentarian from Beirut II, also lauded the agreement, saying it would help "control security and achieve stability on both sides of the border." Makhzoumi further emphasized that the agreement marked Lebanon's return to the Arab fold, with Saudi Arabia and other Arab capitals reaffirming their support for Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.
Later on Thursday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam convened a security meeting to discuss the outcomes of the Jeddah talks. The meeting was attended by key figures, including the Lebanese Minister of Defense, the Director-General of General Security, and officials from the Lebanese Army and the Supreme Defense Council. They reviewed the implementation of the agreement and further measures to enhance coordination between the two countries.
Postponed visit to Damascus
Meanwhile, a planned visit by Minister Menassa to Damascus, scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed indefinitely at Syria's request. Lebanese and Syrian sources indicated that the delay was due to preparations for the formation of a new Syrian government. While Syria had announced plans to form a new government by March 1, no official formation has been announced.
Menassa's trip to Damascus was set to be the first visit by a Lebanese official to Syria since the new Lebanese government was formed in February. The visit’s postponement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, particularly regarding accusations by Damascus that Hezbollah, an ally of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was involved in the abduction and killing of Syrian soldiers in March. Hezbollah has denied these allegations, and subsequent bombings from Syria resulted in seven Lebanese deaths.
Despite these challenges, both countries announced a cease-fire after the violence.
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