Русская версияLebanon's president has arrived in Damascus for talks with his Syrian counterpart, the first such trip after three years of turbulent relations.
Tension has been high between the two countries since the assassination of the Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005.
Many Lebanese blame Damascus for the killing, but it denies involvement.
Last month at a summit in Paris, the two leaders agreed to establish diplomatic ties and open embassies.
It would be the first time the two Arab neighbours normalised relations since they both gained independence from France in the 1940s.
Michel Suleiman was given a red-carpet welcome by President Bashar al-Assad at the People's Palace on a hill overlooking Damascus.
The BBC's Bethany Bell in Damascus says although progress is expected from the visit, potential stumbling blocks remain - not least over the international tribunal into the death of Mr Hariri.
Past international investigators said Syrian intelligence and its Lebanese associates had played a role, although the report of the latest prosecutor - Daniel Bellemare of Canada - spoke of a criminal network without saying whether it had political motives.
Syrian officials have consistently and strenuously denied any Syrian role.
Syria kept a large military and intelligence presence in Lebanon after the civil war ended in 1990, but it was forced to withdraw after the Hariri assassination because of massive public pressure in Lebanon with strong international support.
'Criminal act'
Hours before Mr Suleiman flew to Damascus for the two-day visit, a bomb exploded in the northern Lebanese port city of Tripoli, scene of fierce street fighting between pro- and anti-Syria supporters since May.
Lebanon's pro-Syrian parliament speaker Nabih Berri said the timing of the attack was meant "to prevent the improvement of Lebanese-Syrian relations".
Syria's foreign ministry called the attack a "criminal act" and voiced support for Lebanon "in the face of all those who are manipulating its security and stability".
Settling relations with Syria is a top priority for the new government in Lebanon.
The unity coalition was formed after the Qatari-mediated Doha accord which ended months of deadlock and bouts of violence between pro-Syria factions and supporters of the Western-backed government.
The Doha accord also allowed the installation of former army chief Mr Suleiman as president, a candidate deemed acceptable on both sides of the political divide.
Other issues for discussion in Damascus are likely to be demarcating the mountainous Lebanon-Syria border and determining the fate of Lebanese detainees in Syria.
(BBC)
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