Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov's Visit to the Republic of Lebanon

As part of his Middle East tour that began on September 7, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov visited Beirut. During the visit he was received by President of the Republic of Lebanon Emile Lahoud, and held meetings with Chamber of Deputies Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Fouad Signora.

The main attention during the conversations was paid to matters related to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its aspects and the consolidation of events in the politico-diplomatic mainstream. There was emphasized on the Russian side that this resolution gives a good chance for that, inter alia through the strict observance of the cessation of hostilities and arrival at a long-term settlement. Lavrov highly assessed the actions of the Lebanese authorities to implement this decision of the international community, in particular, the Lebanese army's taking of control of the southern areas of the country. The importance was noted of bolstering stability, civil peace and harmony in Lebanon. The sides spoke for the soonest resumption of efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just settlement in the Middle East.

The Lebanese side gave a high appraisal of the role Russia had played in ending the bloodshed in Lebanon as well as of the efforts the Russian side is making to prevent relapses of the conflict. The leaders of Lebanon expressed their adherence to the good relations traditionally binding our countries and the hope that Russia will continue to be actively involved in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Lebanon.