Iranian FM from Beirut: We Respect Lebanon's Internal Affairs
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that considering the regional developments, Iran is keen on opening a new chapter in its relations with Lebanon, assuring that his country respects Lebanon's internal matters and does not meddle in them.
Araghchi, who arrived on Tuesday in Beirut coming from Egypt where he convened with senior officials, met with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Rajji at the foreign ministry's headquarters in Downtown Beirut.
Araghchi said he has meetings scheduled with Lebanese President Jospeh Aoun, PM Nawaf Salam and his Lebanese counterpart.
'My trip to Lebanon comes as part of my tour in the region', the state-run National News Agency quoted Araghchi as saying after he arrived at the airport.
'We respect Lebanon's internal matters; we do not interfere in them. We also support Lebanon's sovereignty during difficult times just like we did before', he stated, noting that Iran attaches great importance to Lebanon's independence, sovereignty and unity.
'I hope there would be a new leaf of relations with Lebanon based on mutual respect', he added.
A Visit with Political Goals
According to sources who spoke to Asharq al-Awsat on condition of anonymity, the Iranian diplomat's visit has political goals as it coincides with a new round of US-Iran nuclear talks that reports say still faces hurdles amid Tehran's insistence that they are strictly for peaceful purposes.
The visit was not coordinated in advance with the Lebanese state but came at the Iranian minister's request, the source added, noting that Araghchi seeks to meet senior Lebanese officials to discuss matters of key importance for his country.
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