Lebanese and Bahraini Foreign Ministers Discuss Situations in Lebanon and the Region
The two ministers discussed the situations in both countries during the Manama dialogue, affirming Lebanon's support for Bahrain and their shared aspiration to resume full relations.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Beirut, October 30 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji held talks today with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani on the general situation in Lebanon and the region. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement that the meeting took place on the sidelines of Raji’s participation in the 22nd edition of the “Manama Dialogue – Regional Security Summit.” The ministry quoted Raji as reaffirming Lebanon’s full support, both government and people, for the Kingdom of Bahrain in the face of any aggression targeting its territory, and reiterating his condemnation of the attacks that struck the capital, Manama, in recent weeks. The statement added that Minister Raji outlined the latest political and security developments in Lebanon and the government’s efforts to consolidate stability and activate the role of state institutions, emphasizing the state’s “firm” stance on safeguarding its sovereignty, restricting weapons to the hands of its legitimate institutions, and extending its authority over its entire territory. He also briefed his Bahraini counterpart on the progress of direct negotiations with the Israeli occupation government, noting that the framework agreement helped curb attacks and neutralize the capital, Beirut, “but Israel has not complied with withdrawal, while (Hezbollah) refuses to hand over its weapons.” He also welcomed the step of reopening the Kingdom of Bahrain’s embassy in Beirut last November, expressing hope for the appointment of a new ambassador “as soon as possible” and the resumption of direct air links, starting with commercial cargo and facilitating the issuance of entry visas for Lebanese citizens. The statement noted that Minister Al Zayani, for his part, stressed the importance of Lebanon’s stability and its special status with the Kingdom, expressing his anticipation for the return of relations between the two brotherly countries “to their former level.” (End) F.Z. / R.J.
