Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting between Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa, with their Saudi counterpart Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz participating on Thursday, March 27.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported today, Friday, March 28, that the meeting was held under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

During the meeting, issues of mutual interest between Syria and Lebanon were discussed to enhance security and stability between the two countries. An agreement was signed, emphasizing the strategic importance of delineating the borders between the two countries, forming legal and specialized committees in several fields, and activating coordination mechanisms between the two sides to address security and military challenges, particularly regarding any developments along their borders.

It was also agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia in the near future.

Both ministers expressed their satisfaction with the outcomes, while Riyadh reaffirmed its full support for anything that achieves security and stability for Lebanon and Syria and contributes to maintaining regional peace and stability.

On Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun commented on the border tensions between Syria and Lebanon, stating that Saudi Arabia has taken the initiative to handle this issue, and there are Syrian-Lebanese talks under Saudi auspices in Riyadh.

Aoun added that Lebanon will work to open direct channels with the Syrian administration, and through joint committees, will work on delineating both land and maritime borders with Syria to resolve outstanding issues and secure the return of Syrian “displaced persons” (refugees).

Last Wednesday, Lebanese media reported that the scheduled visit of the Lebanese Defense Minister to Damascus, aimed at discussing the security situation along the border, was postponed at the request of the Syrian authorities, without providing further details.

A high-ranking Lebanese source confirmed to the Turkish Anadolu Agency that the postponement of the visit was not due to a disagreement, but rather the Syrian government’s intention to form a new government, thus delaying the visit to a later date.

Last week, the defense ministries of Syria and Lebanon announced an agreement to enforce a ceasefire along the border and enhance coordination and cooperation between the two sides following clashes over two days that resulted in casualties.

Tensions have been escalating along the mountainous border between Syria and Lebanon since the fall of the Syrian regime, with the Syrian Ministry of Defense accusing elements of the Lebanese Hezbollah of entering Syrian territory and kidnapping and killing three members of the Syrian army.

The Syrian administration is seeking to stabilize the security situation in the country and strengthen its grip along the borders with neighboring countries, including Lebanon, which involves pursuing drug traffickers and remnants of the former regime.

The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, pointed out during a Security Council session last Tuesday the clashes that occurred along the Syrian-Lebanese border, calling them “concerning,” following reports of the kidnapping and execution of Syrian soldiers and the firing of rockets into Lebanon.

He also expressed his welcome to the abilities of the Syrian and Lebanese authorities to contain the situation, showing support for all efforts made to enhance dialogue between Damascus and Beirut.