Iranian Foreign Minister Hosein Amir Abdollahian confirmed that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has always wished well for Lebanon, and we encourage all parties in Lebanon to complete the political process and expedite the electoral process in this important country in the region." Abdollahian, after meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib, believed that "the officials in Lebanon and all political parties and entities in this country have the ability and competence to reach an agreement and consensus on electing a president for the republic, and we will support any election and any agreement reached by all parties in Lebanon, and we call on all foreign parties to support this election without any interference in internal affairs."
He added: "Today we discussed comprehensive cooperation between Iran and Lebanon and affirmed the full readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to enhance relations in all fields, particularly economic, commercial, political, and scientific. The discussion also touched on the recent agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia and the latest developments in occupied Palestine, as well as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Libya." He concluded by indicating that he will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon at the Iranian embassy in Beirut.
For his part, Bou Habib announced that Abdollahian briefed him on "the details of the Saudi-Iranian agreement in Beijing, and hoped that "good will come of it for our country." He added: "I am optimistic that any agreement between neighboring countries is good for Lebanon. The results of the Saudi-Iranian agreement are not limited to the reopening of embassies, but also have implications for Yemen, Lebanon, and the Palestinian cause, and we hope they will be positive," emphasizing that this agreement is "important for peace in the region."
He continued: "Minister Abdollahian also offered assistance in the electricity sector and provided oil aid. Naturally, the Foreign Ministry is not an executive ministry and is not directly responsible for that, but I will also convey this offer to the relevant officials among my colleagues in the government, and Minister Abdollahian will relay this matter to the Prime Minister." Abdollahian then moved to the Grand Serail, where he met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the current situation in Lebanon and the region as well as Lebanese-Iranian relations. The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, and Abdollahian's accompanying delegation participated in the meeting. The Iranian minister subsequently visited the second presidency and met with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to discuss developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations.
