Lebanese Prime Minister affirms that his country has paid a "heavy price" and does not want to be a "battleground for regional conflicts"

Beirut, Sept. 24 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed on Thursday that his country has paid a "heavy price" in terms of its security, stability, and economy, and does not wish to become a "battleground for regional conflicts."

According to a statement issued by the Lebanese Prime Minister's Office, these remarks were made during a meeting between Salam and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting was attended by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

The statement quoted Salam as saying during the meeting that Lebanon looks forward to opening a new chapter with Iran and building a sound state-to-state relationship based on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence, and non-interference in internal affairs.

He described the relations between Lebanon and Iran as "historic between the two countries and their peoples," and called on the Iranian side to nominate a new ambassador to Lebanon.

Salam noted that the current priority is to achieve the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory, halt their ongoing violations, and advance the extension of the Lebanese state's authority over its entire territory, ensuring that weapons are held exclusively by official and legitimate state institutions.

(END) F.Z./M.A.A.