Zarif Concludes Beirut Visit: Iran Does not Meddle in Lebanon's Internal Affairs
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif highlighted on Wednesday the importance of dialogue in overcoming crises, stressing that Tehran is prepared for “all forms of cooperation” with Lebanon to help it achieve growth.
He declared during the second day of his trip to Beirut: “We do not meddle in internal Lebanese affairs and neither should other countries.”
He made his remarks during a press conference with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil at the end of his two-day trip to the country.
“Iran extends its hands to neighboring countries for cooperation,” added Zarif.
He stated that the nuclear deal that Tehran had signed with major powers in July underlines the importance of dialogue in ending disputes.
“We demonstrated that the use of force and sanctions cannot resolve regional conflicts,” he remarked, while noting that countries in the region now have the opportunity to adopt such an approach.
“Lebanon is a symbol of dialogue and constructive cooperation among its diverse people,” said Zarif.
For his part, Bassil stressed that Zarif brings with him three victories during his Beirut trip, the first being “the victory of Lebanon's resistance against Israel” during the July 2006 war.
“He also brings with him the victory of dialogue against international isolation,” he noted in reference to the nuclear deal.
“We have long spoken of the importance of dialogue in bolstering openness,” he continued.
“He brings with him the victory against the takfiri threat,” he stated, while stressing that “we stand in a single trench with Iran in confronting this challenge.”
Earlier, Zarif had held talks with Speaker Nabih Berri and Defense Minister Samir Moqbel.
He had arrived in Lebanon on Tuesday as part of a tour of the region.
He kicked off his talks by meeting Prime Minister Tammam Salam and later Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Discussions focused on bilateral relations, latest local and regional developments, and cooperation between Lebanon and Iran.
Zarif is scheduled to travel to Syria on Wednesday after concluding his trip to Beirut.
M.T.
G.K.
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