FM in Beirut to hold multifaceted talks with Lebanon officials

Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has arrived in Beirut to discuss issues of mutual interest as well as unfolding developments in the region with senior Lebanese authorities.

According to Press TV, heading a high-ranking diplomatic delegation, the top diplomat left Damascus for the Lebanese capital on Thursday as part of a regional tour that includes high-profile meetings.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency, Amir-Abdollahian is scheduled to hold meetings with President Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib as well as a number of political figures during his visit.

“We are in Beirut because the relationship between Iran and Lebanon is excellent. We have regular and constructive consultations with Lebanese officials on bilateral, regional and international issues,” the Iranian foreign minister told reporters upon arrival at Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport.

He added, “From my last trip to Beirut up until now, many regional and international developments have taken place. It is, therefore, necessary to have more detailed consultations with dear Lebanese officials, given the resolve that exists both in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Lebanon.”

“We declare once again that we are ready to continue our support and important trade and economic cooperation with Lebanon. During a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati [on the sidelines of the 58th Munich Security Conference] a month ago, I informed him of the Islamic Republic of Iran's readiness to establish two 1,000-megawatt power stations in Lebanon and to fully develop trade and economic cooperation with the country,” Amir-Abdollahian pointed out.

Later on Thursday, Iran’s top diplomat met with a number of high-profile officials from Palestinian resistance movements, including Islamic Jihad leader Ziyad al-Nakhalah and senior Hamas official Mousa Mohammed Abu Marzook, at the Iranian embassy in Beirut.

Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Syria on Wednesday and held meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, and Syria’s National Security Advisor Ali Mamluk about various issues, including Tehran-Damascus bilateral relations as well as regional and international matters.

Amir-Abdollahian has reaffirmed Iran’s strong support for Lebanon, saying the Islamic Republic is ready to play an active role in promoting the Arab country’s development projects.

SS