Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai met with a delegation from Hezbollah at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkirki, the state-run National News Agency reported Friday.

The delegation included Political Council member Ghaleb Abu Zeinab and MP Raed Berro.

Last week al-Rai called for the adoption of "neutrality" to ensure Lebanon's "unique pluralism."

"Neutrality is not contrary to personal beliefs. It is a system that protects plurality. Neutrality is the guarantor of internal security and external defense," the patriarch had added.

The relations between Bkirki and the party have been strained, notably by the regular statements of Rai against Hezbollah's involvement in the war in Gaza with the opening of an armed front in southern Lebanon, yet regular meetings were frequently held by Hezbollah delegations and Rai.