Iran Ready to Cooperate with Lebanon in All Areas, Says Zarif

BEIRUT – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran will be ready to work with Lebanon in all areas if its government asks for it.

On his arrival in Beirut on Sunday, the senior Iranian diplomat referred to the goal of his two-day visit as declaration of solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, as well as the readiness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cooperate with the country in all areas, IRNA reported.

He cited the concurrence of his trip to Lebanon by forming the new government and congratulated the Lebanese people and the government on this achievement.

Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized that Lebanon is a symbol of resistance and coexistence and said he would talk with Lebanese officials on various issues during his trip to Beirut.

Zarif meets leaders of Palestinian groups, Islamic Jihad in Beirut

Later on Sunday, Zarif met with the leaders of Palestinian groups based on Lebanon during which the leaders of Palestinian groups congratulated Iran’s foreign minister on the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

Press TV said that the two sides discussed regional developments with emphasis on the issue of Palestine, as well as the importance of unity and solidarity to counter the plots of the enemies of the Islamic world.

Zarif also met with the secretary general of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement in Beirut. The meeting was focused on regional issues, especially the issue of Palestine and the anti-Israeli resistance.

Iran’s foreign minister is scheduled to meet with President Michel Aoun on Monday, Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berry, Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, and Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.

Two weeks ago the new government, after nearly 9 months of interruption and consultation, led by Saad al-Hariri was formed.

The Iranian foreign minister is the first foreign minister to travel to the country after the formation of the new Lebanese government.

R.S