WANA (Dec 10) – Lebanon’s Foreign Minister rejected Iran’s invitation for a visit while affirming Beirut’s readiness to begin a new phase of constructive relations with Tehran, grounded in full respect for the sovereignty of both nations.

 

In an official letter to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Lebanon’s top diplomat, Youssef Raji, apologized for being unable to accept Tehran’s invitation for an official visit at the present time.

 

According to the Lebanese outlet El-Nashra, Raji clarified that declining the visit does not signify a rejection of dialogue, but rather reflects the absence of suitable conditions for such a meeting at this moment.

 

Raji reiterated his proposal for a bilateral meeting to be held in a neutral third country agreed upon by both sides.

 

He further emphasized Lebanon’s “full readiness to open a new chapter of constructive engagement with Iran based on mutual respect.”

 

The Lebanese foreign minister also stressed his firm belief that building a strong state is only possible when arms are exclusively in the hands of the government and the national army, and when decisions on war and peace rest solely with the country’s official authorities.

 

Previously, the Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi sent a written message to Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji, reaffirming Iran’s longstanding friendship with Lebanon.

 

He stressed Tehran’s continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity, and stability, especially in the face of Israeli aggression.

 

Araghchi also invited his Lebanese counterpart to visit Iran for talks on enhancing bilateral relations and reviewing regional and international developments.

 

He expressed confidence that Lebanon’s government and people will successfully overcome current challenges.

An Iranian man walks next to the stands with the flags of Iran, Hezbollah and Lebanon in a street

An Iranian man walks next to the stands with the flags of Iran, Hezbollah, and Lebanon in a street in Tehran, Iran, October 18, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.