Iranian President Stresses Expansion of Ties between Tehran, Beirut

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in a meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour, underlined the two countries' resolve for further expansion of bilateral ties.
During the meeting held on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Global Fight against Terrorism here in Tehran on Saturday, the two sides discussed latest regional developments, particularly the challenges facing the new Lebanese cabinet headed by Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

They also agreed that the Israeli regime remains the main threat and a major source of terror and instability in the region.

The Iranian president reiterated that Tehran will do its best to implement agreements signed between the two states in his last state visit to Beirut.

He also urged his cabinet members to hold further meetings with their Lebanese counterparts to look into further ways to expand bilateral ties.

Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, heading a high-ranking delegation, had visited Tehran late in November.

During his stay in Tehran, Hariri met with senior Iranian officials, including President Ahmadinejad, to discuss bilateral ties and cooperation and exchange views over a wide range of other issues of mutual interest.

According to the officials of both sides, the visit aimed to promote Tehran-Beirut mutual cooperation in different fields.

The trip by the then Lebanese premier followed a two-day landmark visit to Beirut in October by Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The two countries signed a cluster of economic agreements during President Ahmadinejad visit.