President of the Republic Joseph Aoun, on Friday affirmed Lebanon’s readiness to strengthen economic and trade relations with Iran during a meeting on Friday at Baabda Palace with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stressing that such cooperation should serve the interests of both peoples and be pursued through coordination between the relevant ministries, particularly foreign affairs and economy and trade, via joint committees.
For his part, Araghchi conveyed the Iranian president’s greetings to Aoun, recalling their Doha meeting, and said his visit aimed to enhance and develop bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and trade fields. He reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and reviewed trade relations and meetings held in Beirut with Lebanese business figures to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.
The Iranian top diplomat and the accompanying delegation also met with the House Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain Al-Tineh, Beirut, reiterating Iran’s support to Lebanon.
Moreover, Araghchi and the accompanying delegation met with the prime minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail in Beirut as the discussions tackled the reinforcement of the bilateral ties.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Rajji, on Friday received Araghchi and his accompanying delegation, with talks described by the Foreign Ministry as “frank and clear” on a number of issues and challenges facing Lebanon, as well as on bilateral relations.
Araghchi said Iran seeks to build relations with Lebanon on the basis of goodwill and mutual respect between the two governments and their institutions, stressing the importance of continued dialogue despite differences on certain files. He affirmed Iran’s interest in Lebanon’s independence, unity, and sovereignty, considering that defending the country is the responsibility of the Lebanese government. The Iranian Minister also stated that Iran supports Hezbollah as a resistance group but does not interfere in its affairs, adding that decisions related to Lebanon are left to the party itself.
For his part, Rajji welcomed Araghchi, describing him as a “friend,” and reiterated Lebanon’s desire for the best relations with Iran, while expressing the hope that Iranian support would be directed to the Lebanese state and its institutions.
Source: Al-Manar English Website and NNA