Iran Welcomes Formation of Lebanese Government

The Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi congratulated Lebanon on the formation of a new government. The senior Iranian official hailed in a statement late Monday the formation of the new cabinet in Lebanon describing it as a great success and a glorious victory for the Lebanese nation and government.

Salehi added "the formation of Lebanon's new government is a manifestation of Lebanese national sovereignty against Israeli aggressions and a significant leap toward the establishment of tranquility and stability in the Middle East". The Iranian foreign minister also expressed hope that Tehran-Beirut relations further expand under the new Lebanese government.

Meanwhile, in a phone conversation, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad-Reda Rahimi congratulated PM Najib Mikati on the formation of the new government. He said the Islamic Republic will always stand by the Lebanese people and government and the country's resistance movement.

Rahimi also expressed hope that Iran and Lebanon would be able to implement formerly signed Memorandums of Understanding.