During a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday, President Joseph Aoun stressed that Lebanon seeks to strengthen formal state-to-state relations with Iran based on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs – marking a departure from decades of Tehran’s exclusive backing of Hezbollah.
Aoun also emphasized the importance of internal dialogue as a “key to settling unresolved issues,” and reiterated that rebuilding areas destroyed by the Israeli war remains a top national priority. “The effort will proceed in coordination with the government and friendly nations, and in accordance with Lebanese law,” he added.
Although Araghchi did not make a public statement after the meeting, he had earlier declared upon his arrival at Beirut International Airport that Iran supports Lebanon’s “independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and is committed to “strong bilateral relations and the principle of non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.”
Earlier, Araghchi met with Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, who underscored the importance of diplomatic efforts to liberate occupied territories, halt Israeli aggression, consolidate state authority across Lebanese territory, and ensure that all weapons remain under the state’s exclusive control.
Rajji also called for all international aid to be funneled through the Lebanese government and its official institutions to support reconstruction and economic recovery.
Following a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri – a close ally of Hezbollah – Araghchi described his visit as “an opportunity to open a new page in the relationship with Lebanon,” adding, “Internal Lebanese dialogue is a matter for the Lebanese, and no one has the right to interfere.”
Concluding his official visit, Araghchi met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, reaffirming Iran’s desire to enhance bilateral ties. He called for expanding trade and economic cooperation, and for the removal of barriers to investment and commerce.
The Iranian minister also delivered an official invitation from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for Prime Minister Salam to visit Tehran.
Comments