President Michel Aoun (right) meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on March 25, 2022. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT - President Michel Aoun met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Friday morning to discuss the relationship between Lebanon and Iran, in addition to regional and international affairs affecting both countries, reported the state-run National News Agency.
Here’s what we know:
• Aoun expressed his hope that negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia would resume and would reflect positively on the region, given their role on a regional and international level.
• The president also thanked Iran for the assistance it has provided during Lebanon’s crises, to which Abdollahian reiterated his country's commitment to providing the aid that Lebanon needs in various areas, most notably via the provision of wheat and other necessary foodstuffs as discussed in his meeting with Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
• Abdollahian briefed Aoun on the outcome of his visit to Syria, after the latter spoke about the social and financial burden the Syrian displacement crisis has had on Lebanon.
• Aoun also discussed the Russian-Ukrainian war, and expressed his hope that negotiations would prevail between the two nations, given the conflict’s negative impact on Lebanon and other countries.
• The Iranian minister presented the outcome of negotiations between his country and Saudi Arabia, expressing his optimism about a possible positive outcome.