President Aoun commits to bridging gaps between Lebanon and Syria

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasised the necessity for collaboration to resolve all outstanding matters between Lebanon and Syria, Asharq Al-Awsat reported on January 13th.
He received a phone call from Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Syria’s new authorities, who extended his congratulations to Aoun following his election as president on January 9th.
Aoun highlighted the “fraternal relations that bind the Syrian and Lebanese people.”
Both officials emphasised the need to establish and enhance constructive relations between their nations.
READ: Joseph Aoun elected as president of Lebanon
On January 11th, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati travelled to Damascus to hold discussions with al-Sharaa.
The leaders expressed their commitment to fostering long-term strategic ties founded on mutual respect and appreciation for national sovereignty, following years of strained relations.
Mikati’s visit marked the first by a Lebanese head of government to Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted by a sweeping opposition offensive on December 8th, and it was also the first trip by a Lebanese prime minister to Syria in 15 years.
Relations between Beirut and Damascus have frequently been tense since the two nations gained independence in the 1940s.
Asharq Al-Awsat