Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday expressed hope to boost relations with Iran on a State-to-State basis, mutual respect, and non-intervention in each country's domestic affairs. The Lebanese President was speaking during the reception of the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, just southeast of Beirut.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Aoun added that the government prioritizes the reconstruction of properties demolished by the Israeli occupation forces during their recent war on the country. He indicated that the government hopes to rebuild the destroyed buildings in cooperation with "sisterly and friendly States and according to the laws." Aoun emphasized that internal dialogue is the avenue toward resolving various issues, alongside dialogue with the concerned States "without resorting to violence," noting that "many States in the region have suffered a lot from the wars and their negative outcome."
Furthermore, the Lebanese President expressed hope that the US-Iran negotiations on the nuclear file would end with a positive outcome, stating that "such a result would impact positively on the whole region." For his part, Araghchi conveyed Tehran's support for all Lebanese efforts, particularly diplomatic bids, to end the Israeli occupation, asserting that the Iranian backing for Lebanon aligns with the good relations between the two countries and adherence "to the non-intervention in States' domestic affairs."
Moreover, the Iranian minister expressed hope that internal dialogue and understanding would lead to serving Lebanon's interest without external intervention. He also highlighted Tehran's desire to enhance cooperation with Beirut at economic and commercial levels, as well as to assist in reconstruction efforts.
Araghchi also held meetings with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Foreign Minister Yousef Rajji, where they discussed the two States' relations and issues of common concern.