Ambassador calls Lebanese presidents visit to Iran very important

Source: mehrnews.com, 24-11-2008
TEHRAN - The Iranian ambassador to Beirut called Lebanese President Michel Suleiman's visit to Tehran very important.
Suleiman arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit on Monday.
"This trip is very important and strategic for Iran, Lebanon, and the region," Ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani told the Mehr News Agency on Monday.
He said that the delegation accompanying the president includes an economic team, which shows that Lebanon and Iran are seeking economic cooperation.
The ambassador stated that the two countries will definitely hold negotiations on ways to further develop political, economic, and cultural ties.
The other objective of Suleiman's visit is to thank Iran for its role in pushing for the adoption of the Doha agreement, which led to the election of Suleiman as president by parliament and the formation of the unity government, Shibani added.
"This visit is important for Iran, Lebanon and the region due to the sensitive security and political situation in Lebanon and the region. The president's trip is an indication of the two nations' desire to boost and expand cooperation," he stated.
"Iran has always been on the side of the Lebanese people and government and has always supported the resistance against foreign invasion," Shibani said.
In addition, Iran contributed greatly to the reconstruction efforts in the regions damaged by "Israel's" 33-day war against Lebanon, he added.
The Iranian ambassador to Beirut stated that Tehran helped Lebanon's leaders reach a national consensus agreement, adding that Tehran believes that national unity and "social and political integration" is the only way to respond to the threats the country is facing.
And ""Israel" and terrorism" are the two major threats to the country, he said.