Salam: "Lebanon has paid a heavy price in terms of its security, stability, and economy, and does not want to be a battleground for regional conflicts."

This came during a meeting held by Salam with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to the National News Agency on Thursday.

Salam emphasized that “Lebanon has paid a heavy price in terms of its security, stability, and economy, and does not wish to be a battleground for regional conflicts or for exchanging messages.” He added, “The relationship between Lebanon and Iran is historic, between the two countries and their peoples. Lebanon looks forward to opening a new chapter in this relationship and building a sound state-to-state relationship based on respect for each other’s sovereignty and independence, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and mutual interests.”

Salam stressed that “the priority is for Israel’s complete withdrawal from Lebanese territories and the cessation of its aggression, and for advancing the extension of the Lebanese state’s authority over all its lands and monopolizing weapons in its hands.”

Earlier, in March last year, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates informed the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires in Lebanon, Tawfiq Samadi Khoshkhou, of the Lebanese state’s decision to withdraw approval for the appointment of Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Reza Sheibani, declaring him persona non grata, and demanding his departure from Lebanese territory.