Russian Foreign Ministry: Bogdanov Received Hariri's Special Envoy

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement stating: "The Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, received the special envoy of the former Prime Minister of Lebanon and head of the Future Movement, Saad Hariri, George Shaaban. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current situation in Lebanon and its surroundings." The statement added: "There was an emphasis on the need to expedite overcoming the internal political crisis in Lebanon through constructive dialogue to find solutions to mutual obstacles, with the participation of all political forces in Lebanon and without external interference. Bogdanov also reaffirmed his country's principled position regarding support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, independence, and territorial integrity, especially since Russia considers Lebanon a friendly country."