Syria's new leader, rebel Islamist leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, received Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Damascus on Saturday.
It was the first time in 15 years that a Lebanese prime minister set foot in Syria. And the first head of government from another country to visit Syria since al-Sharaa's group and others ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad recently.
Turning point
Ahmed al-Sharaa said he wants to give the Syrian and Lebanese people a chance to create good and positive relations again. He puts his trust in Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun to contribute to a new era of stability.
Aoun was sworn in last week and has said he sees a historic opportunity to get a serious dialogue with Syria again.
The mistrust between the two countries, not least Lebanon's towards Syria, had its roots in ousted President Bashar al-Assad's support for the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, and the militia's support for Assad. But Hezbollah, Assad, and both backers Iran, have been weakened by Israel's attacks and the ousting of Assad.
Million refugees
A burning issue between the countries is the future of the very large number of Syrian refugees who have come to Lebanon since the civil war in Syria began in 2011. There are around 800,000 registered Syrian refugees, but it is believed there are many more, some talking about over a million, possibly up to two million in total.
It has, according to Najib Mikati, become increasingly heavy for Lebanon, hard hit by economic crisis, to have them in the country.
A very important issue for both our countries, said Mikati after the meeting, in a written comment.
The countries will also try to settle their land and sea borders.
