Zarif due in Lebanon next week

Tehran, Nov 4, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said that Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif is scheduled to visit Beirut next week. Considering the relations between Iran and Lebanon, regular consultations are underway to help restore peace and stability to the region and adopt common strategy in this respect, Qasemi said. Qasemi said that preparatory works have been made for the foreign minister's visit to Beirut. The visit will probably take place next week. On the agenda of the foreign minister, he said that Zarif and top-ranking Lebanese officials will discuss issues of mutual interest, ways to promote cooperation in the new era and the latest regional developments, particularly the humanitarian plight in Syria. Zarif's visit to Lebanon will take place as Michel Aoun became the country's president on Monday putting an end to a political stand-off that had left the post empty for more than two years. 1378/IRNA