Lebanon wants to strengthen relations with Russia - senior diplomat

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji appreciated Russia's role as a member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting stability and security in Lebanon.

Beirut, October 12. /TASS/. Lebanon's Foreign Minister Youssef Raji said the Lebanese government wants to develop the strongest possible ties with Russia while considering mutual interests.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, he said: "We sincerely try to maintain the best possible relations with Russia in the political, economic and cultural fields, taking into account our mutual interests."

He appreciated the role of Russia as a member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting stability and security in Lebanon and emphasized the commitment of the Lebanese government to expand the government's sovereignty throughout the country, which requires ending the hostilities in its southern part.

Raji emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Lebanese government and legal institutions to decide on war and peace, and noted: "The current difficult situation is caused by Israel's refusal to withdraw its forces and its continuous aggression, as well as Hezbollah's unwillingness to disarm."

The senior Lebanese diplomat welcomed the increasing number of Russian scholarships to Lebanese students and expressed hope for the gradual return of Russian tourists to Beirut. He added: I am happy to visit Moscow and I am convinced that this will not be my last trip to Russia.