Latest news with #YoussefRaggi
Asharq Al-Awsat
7 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iran Seeks to Turn ‘New Page' in Ties with Lebanon
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a "new page" in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanon's state, but it was severely weakened by Israel's bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanon's army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power. Araqchi's one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September. Araqchi told both Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to "turn a new page" in Iran's ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggi's offices. "Araqchi affirmed his country's keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Salam's office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran. The statement from Raggi's office said the pair had a "frank and direct discussion," including on establishing the state's monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollah's arsenal. The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah. The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries. Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Last year, then-Prime Minister Najib Mikati also issued a rare rebuke of Iran for "interfering" in internal Lebanese affairs. In February, Iran blocked Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Tehran after Lebanon said it would not allow Iranian aircraft to land in Beirut because of Israel's threats that it would bomb the planes.
Reuters
7 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Iran seeks to turn 'new page' in ties with Lebanon
BEIRUT, June 3 (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Lebanese officials on Tuesday that Iran wanted to turn a "new page" in relations with Beirut, hinting at a shift in diplomatic ties that were long grounded in supporting Tehran-backed armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah was once a powerful armed movement and political party with sway over Lebanon's state, but it was severely weakened by Israel's bombing campaign last year. Since then, Lebanon's U.S.-backed army commander was elected president and a new cabinet with curtailed influence for Hezbollah and its allies took power. Araqchi's one-day trip to Beirut on Tuesday was his first since February, when he attended the funeral of Hezbollah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah, killed in Israeli air strikes in September. Araqchi told both Lebanon's prime minister Nawaf Salam and foreign minister Youssef Raggi that he wanted to "turn a new page" in Iran's ties with Lebanon, according to statements by Salam and Raggi's offices. "Araqchi affirmed his country's keenness to open a new page in bilateral relations with Lebanon, based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Salam's office said. Araqchi also extended a formal invitation for Salam to visit Iran. The statement from Raggi's office said the pair had a "frank and direct discussion," including on establishing the state's monopoly on the use of arms - an apparent reference to possible negotiations on the future of Hezbollah's arsenal. The top Iranian diplomat briefly addressed reporters on Tuesday after meeting with Lebanon's parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is a key Hezbollah ally. Unlike previous addresses by Iranian diplomats, his comments did not mention Hezbollah. The visit followed several turbulent episodes in ties between the two countries. Lebanon's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut in April over comments alleging that plans to disarm Hezbollah were a "conspiracy". Last year, then-prime minister Najib Mikati also issued a rare rebuke of Iran for "interfering" in internal Lebanese affairs. In February, Iran blocked Lebanese planes from repatriating dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Tehran after Lebanon said it would not allow Iranian aircraft to land in Beirut because of Israel's threats that it would bomb the planes.
Jordan Times
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Foreign minister, Lebanese counterpart discuss bilateral ties, regional developments
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi meets on Monday with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raggi (Petra photo) AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Monday with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raggi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and the latest developments in Lebanon. During the meeting, the two ministers underscored the urgent need to stop the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and fully implement the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering support for Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. He also emphasised the Kingdom's commitment to assisting Lebanon in revitalising its state institutions and advancing reconstruction efforts following the election of a new president and prime minister. Raggi expressed gratitude for Jordan's steadfast support, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, and its diplomatic efforts to mobilise international action against the ongoing aggression while ensuring full adherence to the ceasefire. The top diplomats also reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors and reinforcing the deep ties between the two nations.
