Lebanon is preparing to hold a series of meetings with a Syrian government delegation in early September to discuss some of the most sensitive issues straining ties between the two countries, including the fate of displaced Syrians, border demarcation, and security coordination.

Sources familiar with the preparations told Nidaa al-Watan that both sides share a “common vision” for tightening border controls and are showing “serious willingness” to achieve tangible progress on a file long marred by political divisions.

Syrian political writer and activist Alia Mansour said the opening sessions will focus primarily on security matters, including border management and the regulation of official and unofficial crossings. She added that the question of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons will also be on the table at a later stage, particularly mechanisms for their handover.

Mansour noted that Damascus is heading into parliamentary elections, a process that could pave the way for a review of international agreements, including accords signed with Beirut under the previous regime. Some of those agreements, she said, may be subject to amendment or even cancellation.

“Lebanon’s stability is in Syria’s interest,” Mansour said, stressing what she described as a “complementary relationship between the two countries that cannot be denied.”

According to sources following the talks, the date of the first meeting has not yet been set, though coordination is ongoing and the initiative has been proposed by both sides. Some meetings are being held behind closed doors, while others are disclosed publicly.

The sources also said Saudi representatives are expected to join the talks, alongside officials from the foreign, interior, defense, and justice ministries, as well as security agencies from both Lebanon and Syria.

On the Syrian side, President Ahmad al-Sharaa is said to view the relationship with Lebanon as one between two sovereign states. Sources told Nidaa al-Watan that Damascus is seeking to turn the page on the “hierarchical” approach associated with the previous Syrian regime’s dealings with Lebanon.

They added that Syria, under al-Sharaa’s leadership, would not be drawn into “political traps” aimed at disrupting the emerging rapprochement, and said communication channels between the two governments remain open.