Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers ink deal after border security talks

Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa (right) shake hands as they signed an agreement on border demarcation, facilitated by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman (center), in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 27, 2025. (SPA)
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Updated 28 March 2025
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Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers ink deal after border security talks

  • Defense ministers of Lebanon and Syria met in Jeddah on Thursday to coordinate and enhance cooperation on security and military issues
  • Two sides will form legal and specialized committees in a number of fields, and will activate bilateral coordination mechanisms

RIYADH: Syria and Lebanon signed an agreement emphasizing the strategic importance of demarcating the borders between the two countries, Al Ekhbariya reported early on Friday.

The defense ministers of Lebanon and Syria met in Jeddah on Thursday to coordinate and enhance cooperation on security and military issues.

The Syrian delegation was headed by Murhaf Abu Qasra and the Lebanese delegation was led by Michel Menassa.

The sides will form legal and specialized committees in a number of fields, and will activate bilateral coordination mechanisms to deal with security and military challenges, especially those that may arise on the border area.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, who facilitated the talks, said he hoped the agreement marks a new phase in relations between the two neighbors.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the discussion and agreed to hold a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Border tensions flared up earlier in March after the new authorities in Syria accused Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of kidnapping three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them.

The Iran-backed group, which fought alongside the forces of toppled Syrian president Bashar Assad, denied involvement.

Cross-border clashes that followed left seven Lebanese dead.

In a statement, Saudi Arabia said it supported Syria and Lebanon resolving their differences through political and diplomatic dialogue while upholding sovereignty, stability, and international law, according to Asharq.

Saudi Arabia affirmed its full support for all that achieves security and stability in Syria and Lebanon and contributes to preserving security and stability in the region, Al Ekhbariya reported.


Children from Gaza return home after medical treatment in Jordan

Updated 26 February 2026
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Children from Gaza return home after medical treatment in Jordan

  • The group, which included 10 children and 18 members of their families, crossed King Hussein Bridge on the border between Jordan and the West Bank on Wednesday
  • Authorities in Jordan have been organizing medical evacuations from Gaza since March last year

LONDON: A group of Palestinian children are returning home to Gaza after medical treatment in Jordanian hospitals.

The patients, who included 10 children and 18 members of their families, crossed King Hussein Bridge on the border between Jordan and the West Bank on Wednesday, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Jordanian authorities said the group was returning to Gaza after treatment in line with Jordan’s commitment to support for Palestinians and the prevention of displacement from their land.

Jordan has been organizing medical evacuations from Gaza since March last year, during which time 635 children and 1,598 caregivers have been taken to hospitals in Jordan.