Iran Favors Free, Independent, Flourishing Lebanon - Larijani

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said on Monday that Lebanon is an effective country in the region, and that Iran favors a free, independent and flourishing Lebanon with national solidarity.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival at Beirut International Airport, Larijani said Iran has always had friendly and great relations with Lebanon.  

He congratulated the Lebanese people on formation of new Lebanese government.

Lebanon got a 20-minister government led by former minister Hassan Diab, after 33 days of arduous negotiations.

Larijani said that his Middle East trip is aimed at holding talks with Lebanese Parliament Speaker and other officials on the developments in the region, the Palestinian issue and promoting Tehran-Beirut ties.

Larijani is scheduled to visit Hezbollah Secretary General His Eminence Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister of Lebanon Hassan Diab, cultural and political elites of Lebanon, Palestinian groups in no respective order.

He will also participate in press conference at Iranian diplomatic mission in Lebanon on Monday night.