UNITED NATIONS - UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday hailed the establishment of full diplomatic ties between Lebanon and Syria and expressed the move will encourage the two neighbors to deepen constructive dialogue.

"The secretary general welcomes the historic steps taken by Lebanon and Syria to establish full diplomatic relations," his press office said in a statement.

"This joint effort between two nations reinforces the sovereignty, stability and political independence of the Lebanese state," it added.

Ban expressed hope that "this landmark event will encourage Syria and Lebanon to engage in further constructive dialogue that will bring mutual benefits to both countries and help ensure stability and progress in their bilateral relations."

Earlier Wednesday, Syria and Lebanon formally established diplomatic ties for the first time since independence 60 years ago, turning a new page in their bilateral relations.

The two neighbors will open embassies in each other's capitals before the end of the year.

Syria was the main powerbroker in Lebanon for three decades until it was forced to withdraw its troops in 2005. But since then ties have been often fractious with accusations by the anti-Damascus parliamentary majority in Lebanon of Syrian meddling in the country's affairs.