Iran Calls on Foreign Countries to Support Lebanon's Presidential Election Without Interference
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian emphasized the commitment of the Islamic Republic to support Lebanon, urging other foreign parties to back Beirut's presidential election without interfering in its internal affairs.
The Iranian minister met with his Lebanese counterpart, Abdullah Bouhabib, during his visit to Beirut. The two then held a joint press conference in which Bouhabib stated that Iran had briefed them on the details of the Tehran-Riyadh agreement and that such agreements between neighboring countries were in Lebanon's interest.
In his remarks, Amirabdollahian emphasized Iran's support for Lebanon and encouraged all factions to expedite the election of their president. He also stated that Iran would support any election result or agreement among Lebanese factions and invited other foreign parties to do the same and support the election without interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs.
He said Iran wants nothing but good for Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese political parties to accelerate the political process in the Arab country and elect a new president.
The Iranian top diplomat also discussed the expansion of cooperation between Iran and Lebanon, as well as regional and international issues, including the recent Iran-Saudi agreement, the situation in occupied Palestinian territories, Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya. He added that a press conference was scheduled for Friday at the Iranian Embassy in Beirut.
Upon arrival in Beirut, Amirabdollahian was welcomed by various Lebanese officials, including representatives of Hezbollah and the Assembly of Lebanese Muslim Scholars.
Iran sees Lebanon’s security as equal to its own
The Iranian minister expressed Iran's support for the security, prosperity, and progress of Lebanon and the region, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving regional tensions and crises. He also spoke about Iran's ideas and initiatives to improve bilateral relations with Lebanon, stating that the security, prosperity, and progress of Lebanon is important for the region and Iran.
During his visit, Amirabdollahian is expected to meet with other senior Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. He also expressed Iran's readiness to improve bilateral relations with Lebanon.
Before his visit to Lebanon, Amirabdollahian traveled to Oman for high-level talks with the Arab country's officials.
In Oman, the top Iranian diplomat said bilateral cooperation in the energy field has progressed very well and agreements have also been made to develop trade, economic and investment cooperation.
He also said the implementation of bilateral agreements reached between Iran and Oman have gained momentum, especially after President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to the Arab country.
“I can confirm that especially following Ayatollah’s Raisi’s visit to Muscat last year, the process of the implementation of agreements have gained great momentum,” he said, referring to a visit by Iran’s president to Oman in May 2022.
“Various state and private sectors from both sides have worked actively and ambassadors and diplomats in Tehran and Muscat have also taken effective measures,” he said, citing remarks by Oman’s sultan Haitham bin Tariq who praised the good measures that have been adopted concerning bilateral ties in the past year.