Lebanon and Syria signed a bilateral agreement on February 6 to transfer more than 300 Syrian prisoners from Lebanese facilities to continue their sentences in Syria, Naharnet reported on February 6.

Relations between the neighbours have been historically fraught, complicated by decades of Syrian military presence in Lebanon.The deal is seen as a strategic step toward recalibrating relations between the two countries following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad administration in late 2024.

The agreement was finalised at the government headquarters in Beirut by Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri and Syrian Justice Minister Mazhar al-Wais.

Mitri described the move as a "very important first step" toward a comprehensive treaty regarding Syrian detainees. Implementation is scheduled to begin on February 7.

Since the ousting of the previous Syrian government in December 2024, the new authorities in Damascus have sought the return of nationals held in Lebanon.

Official estimates indicate there are approximately 2,500 Syrians currently held in Lebanese jails.

Mitri clarified that the current transfer covers only Syrian nationals and does not include Lebanese prisoners. The Syrian Justice Minister noted that the two countries intend to move forward with judicial coordination.

Future discussions are expected to address the status of Syrian detainees who are still awaiting trial in Lebanon. Most of the inmates slated for transfer were not convicted of violent crimes.

"This step will boost existing confidence, and we hope that relations will progress further," al-Wais said.