Lebanese, Syrian ties strengthen

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 31 (UPI) -- Lebanese leaders praised improved relations with neighboring Syria but emphasized the importance of respect for national sovereignty.

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman called ties between the two countries "excellent," noting the strong history they both share, Lebanon's The Daily Star reports.

"Lebanon's relations with Syria are deep," he said. "We are strongly tied to Syria historically, geographically and economically, but establishing diplomatic relations is necessary to tackle administrative issues."

Relations between Syria and Lebanon have improved in recent months. Lebanon opened its first embassy in Damascus on March 16, while Syria had opened its embassy in Beirut in December.

Prior to that diplomatic exchange, the two countries have been without formal diplomatic ties since they were carved out of the Ottoman Empire in 1920. Syria, however, has loomed large in Lebanon, influencing the political landscape there for years.

Meanwhile, the official Syrian Arab News Agency reports that provincial leaders from both countries met Tuesday to discuss a mechanism for border crossings for farmers and students.