Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam paid a landmark visit to Damascus on Monday, accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, in a move signaling a potential reset in Lebanese-Syrian relations after years of strained ties.

Salam, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, Defense Minister Michel Menassa, and Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, held talks with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani.

The visit, widely seen as an effort to rebuild diplomatic bridges, focused on a range of political, security, humanitarian, and economic issues.

“This visit opens a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries, built on mutual respect, trust, and the principle of good neighborliness,” Salam said following the meetings. “Syria’s decisions belong to Syrians, and Lebanon’s decisions belong to the Lebanese.”

Talks centered on strengthening security cooperation, particularly along the porous border, where smuggling has long posed a challenge. The discussions also addressed the demarcation of land and maritime borders — a process that gained initial traction during a meeting in Jeddah between the two countries’ defense ministers under Saudi sponsorship.

Both Beirut and Damascus emphasized the need for closer coordination to curb cross-border trafficking and bolster regional stability.

The issue of displaced Syrians in Lebanon featured prominently. Officials discussed steps to enable the safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians to their homeland, with logistical support from the United Nations and backing from regional and international partners.

The Lebanese delegation also raised longstanding concerns about Lebanese citizens missing or detained in Syrian prisons, pressing for clarity on their fate. They requested Syrian cooperation in several legal cases, including the extradition of individuals wanted in Lebanon — notably in connection with the 2013 bombings of the Al-Taqwa and Al-Salam mosques in Tripoli, as well as other high-profile crimes allegedly linked to the Assad regime.

The talks also covered the situation of Syrian nationals currently detained in Lebanese prisons.

On the economic front, both sides explored ways to revive bilateral cooperation, including reopening trade and transit corridors, importing oil and gas, and restoring civil aviation links. Lebanese officials said revitalizing economic ties could bring much-needed relief to both nations amid ongoing financial crises.

The delegations agreed on the importance of revisiting and potentially updating existing bilateral agreements, including the framework of the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, to reflect current realities.

To ensure follow-up, the two sides decided to form a ministerial committee comprising representatives from the foreign affairs, defense, interior, and justice ministries. Additional discussions will be led by the ministries of economy, public works and transport, social affairs, and energy.

Lebanese officials also expressed support for lifting international sanctions on Syria, arguing that easing restrictions would help revitalize the war-torn country’s economy and attract investment for reconstruction. They noted that Syria’s economic recovery would directly benefit Lebanon, particularly by facilitating refugee returns, boosting exports through land routes, and securing energy supplies.

The visit began with an extended meeting between the two delegations, followed by a working lunch and a one-on-one session between Salam and Al-Sharaa that lasted more than 30 minutes. Salam extended an invitation to Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Al-Shibani to visit Beirut, underscoring the desire to keep diplomatic channels open.