Rajji welcomed by Lavrov in Moscow: 'Lebanon aspires to a positive Russian role in supporting the stability of the state'

BEIRUT — Foreign Minister Joe Rajji was welcomed on Monday in Moscow by his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov for a meeting focused on bilateral relations and the situation in Lebanon and the region, both shaken by successive wars.

At the start of the meeting, according to the National News Agency (NNA), Lavrov affirmed his country’s support "for Lebanon’s sovereignty and for the unity and integrity of its territory." Russia, he said, "is ready to help Lebanon during the difficult circumstances its people are going through as a result of Israeli aggression."

In response to this statement, Rajji reaffirmed "Lebanon’s commitment to its sovereignty, the integrity of its territory, and the need for an Israeli withdrawal and an end to aggression." He nonetheless explained "how delicate the situation in Lebanon is," given "Israel’s refusal to withdraw or stop its aggression, and Hezbollah’s refusal to hand over its weapons." He recalled "the state’s determination to extend its sovereignty over its entire territory and to achieve a monopoly on arms within its institutions."

"Lebanon aspires to a positive Russian role, given Russia’s stature within the Security Council [at the United Nations] and its position in the region, in favor of the stability of the [Lebanese] state, strengthening its institutions and the diplomatic process [launched by Lebanon with Israel to end the war, since April]," he added.

Today's Russia is known for its geopolitical proximity to the Axis of Resistance, having played a key role, alongside Iran and Hezbollah, in maintaining the former Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad, which ultimately fell in December 2024. The Lebanese foreign minister appeared to address primarily the Iranian and Hezbollah ally during this visit, whose military activity has been declared illegal by the Lebanese state since the resumption of the war with Israel on March 2. Hezbollah also opposes direct talks with Israel [under U.S. auspices], which Rajji mentioned during his meeting with Lavrov.

According to the NNA, Lavrov invited his guest to lunch, during which several subjects "of common interest" were discussed. Rajji also "welcomed the Russian initiative to grant more scholarships to Lebanese students" and extended an invitation to him to visit Beirut.

Raggi reçu par Lavrov à Moscou : « Le Liban aspire à un rôle russe positif en soutien à la stabilité de l’Etat »