Lebanese Prime Minister: The state is the sole entity negotiating on behalf of the country

Beirut - 24 - 9 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed on Thursday that no one negotiates on behalf of Lebanon except the Lebanese state, stressing that the country does not want to be a battleground for regional conflicts or a venue for exchanging messages.

The Lebanese Prime Minister’s Office stated in a statement that these remarks were made during a meeting between Prime Minister Salam and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

The statement added that Salam welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote diplomatic solutions, appreciating its regional role. He emphasized the importance of continuing pressure to ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory, halt their aggressions, and support the extension of the state’s authority through its own capabilities.

For his part, the Pakistani Prime Minister affirmed during the meeting that de-escalation in Lebanon is a priority for his country, which has ensured in its communications that Lebanon is included in any pathway toward calming the situation. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence, as well as its government’s efforts to extend its authority in accordance with the constitution.

In a related development, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji confirmed in media statements following his participation in a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the discussion transparently centered on Lebanon’s sovereign position and the conditions for establishing the best possible relations based on mutual respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Minister Raji had previously participated in a solidarity media stand called by the Kingdom of Bahrain, joined by Arab and Gulf states, regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait in accordance with international law, and the impact of current events on peace and security. (End) F.Z. / M.M.J.