President Rouhani, Lebanese PM Confer In New York

New York, Sept 27, IRNA - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani here on Saturday said dignity, unity and prosperity of Lebanon are heartly desires of the Iranian nation. In a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly annual gathering, President Rouhani called for presence of all Lebanese ethnic and religious groups in establishment of sustainable security and development in the country. Referring to Tehran-Beirut relations as cordial and brotherly, President Rouhani expressed concern over the current critical situation in that Arab country. He expressed hope that the Lebanese army would safeguard the country and nation against terrorists. President Rouhani also stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to Lebanon's unity and security. The religious and ethnical clashes are fanning the flames of disputes in some regional countries, he said, adding today terrorism and violence are major problems of the region. Salam, for his part, called for expansion of all-out cooperation between the two countries, underscoring that Beirut attaches great importance to continued ties with Iran. He appreciated Iran's stands regarding Lebanon's national unity and the need for tackling terrorism. The Lebanese PM also asked President Rouhani to convey his warm greetings to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei./end