In brief
In a significant development, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati traveled to Damascus on Saturday for an official meeting with Syria's new government, marking a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations following a period of unrest and violence along the shared border.
Mikati's visit comes after recent skirmishes injured several Lebanese soldiers. In talks with Syrian government leader Ahmad al-Shara, head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which recently overthrew the regime of Bashar al-Assad, they discussed stabilizing the region amid chaotic conditions. Mikati's trip coincides with Lebanon's political transitions, including the election of President Joseph Aoun, who is set to begin the process of choosing a new prime minister next week.As Lebanon grapples with the ramifications of Syria's prolonged civil war, fears of instability spilling over into its territory are prominent. Last week, five Lebanese soldiers were hurt as they tried to close illegal border crossings amid intensified clashes involving Syrian militants.
