Iranian deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian who is currently in the Lebanese capital city of Beirut to discuss bilateral and regional issues, held talks with Prime Minister Tammam Saeb Salam on Wednesday.
The Iranian top diplomat hailed Tammam Salam for his successful fight against terrorism, expressing confidence that the Lebanese prime minister will be able to manage the current situation well.
Amir-Abdollahian added that the Islamic Republic is ready to support Lebanon in resolving problems, such as on the issue of electricity and civil services.
He also noted that Iran is always seeking to have closer ties based on mutual respect with regional countries including Saudi Arabia and is ready to hold dialogue with Saudi friends as Iran considers the Arab state as having a key position in the region.
“The weakening of Lebanon will benefit the Zionist regime and we are ready to cooperate with regional countries to preserve the security of Lebanon,” said the Iranian official.
The Lebanese prime minister, for his part, highlighted Iran’s supportive position on the security and stability of Lebanon, saying “diplomatic activities and the visit of Iranian foreign minister Zarif to regional countries immediately after the nuclear deal indicates Iran’s foreign policy which aims to strengthen regional ties for peace and security.”
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab-African Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Beirut on Teusday to hold talks with Lebanese officials for expansion of bilateral ties as well as to help end the four-year crisis in neighboring Syria. Abdollahian met directly with Staffan de Mistura, the UN envoy to Syria at the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, stressing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should be a part of political settlement for the Syrian crisis.