Russian Ambassador to Lebanon describes Tuesday meeting with Foreign Minister as 'good and friendly'

BEIRUT – Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib received Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov Tuesday, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Here’s what we know:

    • The two officials discussed bilateral relations between their countries as well as the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Russian ambassador described the meeting as "good and friendly.”

    • Last week, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The press release led to disagreements within the Lebanese government itself. Education Minister Abbas Halabi and Labor Minister Moustafa Bayram, respectively close to the Progressive Socialist Party of Walid Joumblatt and Hezbollah, had criticized the "bias" of the text.

    • At a press conference on Monday, Ukraine's ambassador to Lebanon, Ihor Ostash, said he was "proud and grateful" for Lebanon's official stance. "I am grateful for the Lebanese statement condemning the Russian invasion and asking Russia to leave Ukraine," Ostash said.