Damascus: The Lebanese prime minister met the Syrian president in Damascus on Monday, marking his first official visit to the neighboring country since taking office in February. A statement from Nawaf Salam's office highlighted that the discussions with President Sharaa centered on bilateral relations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Salam described his meeting with the new Syrian president as 'opening a new page' for relations between the two countries. The discussions were based on principles of 'mutual respect and restoration of trust, good neighborhood, protecting the sovereignty of both countries, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.'

Key topics on the agenda included tightening border controls, combating smuggling, securing all official crossings, closing illegal ones, and preventing further clashes along the border. The refugee crisis was another major point of discussion, focusing on facilitating the return of Syrian refugees currently residing in Lebanon.

The leaders also explored mutual economic investment opportunities, as well as the issue of Lebanese nationals who went missing during the now-deposed Baath regime. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December, Syria's new leadership has prioritized restoring internal stability and regaining control over its borders, particularly with Lebanon.

The urgency for enhanced cooperation between Syria and Lebanon increased following a border incident in mid-March. Syria's Defense Ministry accused the Lebanese group Hezbollah of kidnapping and killing three of its soldiers, an allegation the group has denied. The Lebanon-Syria border, stretching approximately 375 kilometers (233 miles), is known for its complex geography and includes six official land crossings.