Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bou Habib, continued his meetings today in New York on the sidelines of his participation in the open debate on the situation in the Middle East at the Security Council. Today, the minister held bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. He also met with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger.
During the meeting with his Russian counterpart, Minister Lavrov, they discussed the situation in southern Lebanon and ways to de-escalate tensions. The two ministers also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them, especially in the economic realm, reaffirming the depth of Lebanese-Russian relations, which this year celebrates its eightieth anniversary.
In his meeting with the Iranian counterpart, recent events and developments in the region were addressed. The two ministers agreed on the necessity of making every possible effort to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and southern Lebanon, emphasizing that any potential escalation could lead to a significant confrontation in the region. They also discussed bilateral matters of concern to both countries.
In his meeting with Lacroix, Minister Bou Habib expressed Lebanon's gratitude for the role played by UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, emphasizing that Lebanon, like other small countries geographically, relies on the United Nations and international law. He reiterated the importance of implementing Resolution 1701 in a comprehensive and complete manner and stressed the significance of supporting the Lebanese Army. He confirmed that any war on Lebanon would result in destruction not only for Lebanon but for the entire region.
In his discussion with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, they addressed Israeli violations of international humanitarian law. They also discussed the ongoing Syrian displacement crisis in Lebanon and ways the International Red Cross can support dealing with the burdens of displacement.
Additionally, Minister Bou Habib delivered Lebanon's speech during the open debate on the situation in the Middle East held at the Security Council, where he called for the comprehensive and complete implementation of Resolution 1701 in all its facets, recalling Lebanon's proposed solution presented during the Security Council session on January 23, 2024, to establish sustainable calm along Lebanon's southern borders. He emphasized that peace will not be achieved in our region until the promised Palestinian state is established.
