Lebanese FM: Iranˈs Ties With Countries Positively Affects Lebanon

Beirut, May 21, IRNA – Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, by underlining positive effect of Iranˈs relations with countries of the region and the world on Lebanon domestic situation, expressed hope that Iranˈs nuclear talks with Group 5+1 get closer to its conclusion. In a meeting with Iranˈs outgoing Ambassador to Beirut Ghazanfar Roknabadi here on Tuesday, Bassil expressed pleasure with Tehran-Beirut excellent ties, adding that undoubtedly, Iranˈs ambassadors interactions with different political trends in Lebanon have played an obvious role. Roknabadi, whose tenure is ending in Lebanon, evaluated mutual excellent relations between the two countries as a result of positive and appropriate interactions with Lebanese Foreign Ministry. He appreciated current Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and former foreign ministers of Lebanon during past four years Adnan Mansour and Ali al-Shami for their interactions with Iran. Roknabadi added that positive interactions of Lebanese officials prepared grounds for signing many agreements and upon these, many officials from Iranˈs different ministries, organizations and bodies are cooperating with their Lebanese counterparts. After the meeting, Roknabadi, in response to a question by reporters concerning Lebanon presidential election, said that Iran has always supported stability in Lebanon and hopes that Lebanese different political trends can reach an agreement in this concern in the shortest possible time. Roknabadi has been ambassador to Beirut since 2009. Mohammad Fatahali is named as Iranˈs new ambassador to Lebanon./end