Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday welcomed at the Grand Serail Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, accompanied by Iran's Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Jalal Feirouznia and an official delegation.

During the meeting, Premier Mikati congratulated Minister Abdollahian on assuming his duties, saying: "Lebanon is in dire need today, more than ever, to strengthen the confidence of the Lebanese in the state and its institutions, through normal relations among countries based on mutual respect and common interests, in a way that serves the aspirations of their people.”

Mikati stressed that Lebanon welcomes any effort from brotherly and friendly countries and the international community, as long as it falls within the context of assisting it in preserving the logic of the state and its constitutional institutions.

Mikati added that the best service that can be provided to the region, in general, and to Lebanon, in particular, at this critical stage, is that the dialogue meetings and negotiations between the Arab and Iranian neighbors would yield full consensus on the various topics and issues which would contribute to consecrating the piers of security, progress. and stability.

On the other hand, Premier Mikati met with the International Aid Coordinator for Lebanon, Ambassador Pierre Duquesne, accompanied by French Ambassador Anne Grillo.

The meeting took place in the presence of Mikati’s Advisors Ambassador Boutros Assaker and Dr. Samir Al-Daher.

During the meeting, Duquesne stressed the need to expedite the launch of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and the need to reach an agreement before the end of the year.

He also stressed the need to initiate the implementation of reforms, and to have a united Lebanese position during the negotiations.

Separately, Premier Mikati welcomed Lebanon’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Fawzi Kabbara. 

Among Premier Mikati’s itinerant visitors for today had been a delegation of Tripoli dignitaries, and another delegation from "Umm El Nour" Association.

Mikati also met with the President of the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research, Dr. Georges Tohme, and the Secretary General of the Council, Dr. Mouin Hamza, and they discussed the Council's affairs and work.