Lebanon wants to strengthen ties with Russia — top diplomat

BEIRUT, October 12. /TASS/. The Lebanese government wants to develop the strongest possible ties with Russia while duly taking into account mutual interests, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said.

"We sincerely strive to maintain the best possible relations with Russia in the political, economic, and cultural spheres, taking into account our mutual interests," he said during talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Moscow, according to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.

He praised Russia’s role as a member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting stability and security in Lebanon and reiterated the Lebanese government’s commitment to extending state sovereignty across the entire country, which requires an end to hostilities in its southern part.

"The current difficult situation stems from Israel’s refusal to withdraw its troops and its continuing aggression, as well as from Hezbollah’s unwillingness to disarm," Rajji noted, stressing that decisions on war and peace are for the Lebanese government and legitimate institutions to make.

The top Lebanese diplomat welcomed the growing number of scholarships awarded by Russia to Lebanese students and expressed hope for the gradual return of Russian tourists to Beirut. "I am happy to visit Moscow and am convinced that this will not be my last visit to Russia," he added.