Synopsis
On February 23, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed Iran's readiness to collaborate with Arab and Islamic nations to rebuild Lebanon from Israeli military damage during talks with President Joseph Aoun. The discussions emphasized sovereignty, stability, and bilateral cooperation.Key Takeaways
- Iran pledges support for Lebanon's reconstruction.
- Collaboration with Arab and Islamic nations emphasized.
- Discussions center on Lebanese sovereignty and stability.
- Invitation extended to President Aoun for a visit to Tehran.
- Commitment to humanitarian support for refugees noted.
Beirut, Feb 23 (NationPress) Iran is prepared to collaborate with Arab and Islamic nations to restore areas in Lebanon affected by Israeli military operations, stated Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf during a discussion with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
Qalibaf, who led a delegation that included Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, reiterated Tehran's commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty and stability during their discussions in Beirut, according to a report from Lebanon's presidency.
He highlighted Iran's position against outside interference in Lebanese matters and expressed optimism for enhanced bilateral cooperation, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Iranian Speaker also delivered greetings from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and invited Aoun to visit Tehran, stressing the significance of strengthening relationships in economic, political, and cultural domains.
According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, Qalibaf mentioned during his visit to Lebanon that Iran supports any agreement reached among Lebanon's government, parliament, Hezbollah, and its citizens.
IRNA noted that the Iranian delegation was in Beirut to participate in the funeral of former Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, both of whom were killed by Israeli strikes the previous year.
Aoun received the delegation warmly, acknowledging Lebanon's enduring difficulties arising from regional conflicts. He reiterated his position on respecting sovereign matters and emphasized that national unity is the best response to any form of aggression.
The Lebanese President commended Iran's participation in a recent summit in Riyadh, particularly its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and acknowledgment of the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for a just resolution.
Aoun also expressed Lebanon's readiness to foster strong and mutually beneficial ties with Iran.
Earlier, on February 1, during a different visit to Beirut, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular and Parliamentary Affairs Vahid Jalalzadeh reiterated his country's dedication to aiding Lebanon in various sectors, including humanitarian support for Syrian refugees, according to Lebanon’s official National News Agency.
After a meeting with Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib, Jalalzadeh stated, "We engaged with Lebanese officials regarding the challenges Syrian refugees face due to ongoing developments in their homeland. We have advocated for close and constructive collaboration to ensure they receive the necessary care and support.”
Jalalzadeh reaffirmed Iran’s steadfast support for Lebanon, noting, "Iran has consistently stood by Lebanon in all circumstances. We are also fully prepared to offer assistance in this humanitarian matter."
