Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gebran Bassil, welcomed on Friday the British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Development, Andrew Murrison, in the presence of British Ambassador Chris Rampling.

In the wake of the meeting, Murrison uttered delight to have visited Lebanon. "I am here at this difficult time on Lebanon and the region. I reiterate the UK's continued support for Lebanon," he said. "Most of the talks I will be holding during my visit will focus on Britain's support for a Lebanon that is strong, stable and prosper. The long-lasting partnership between the two countries is growing day by day."

"Last month, Lebanon and the UK signed a partnership agreement in London; a step that will strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, based on a $ 800 million trade exchange. The Lebanon visit of British Prime Minister-designate Lord Risby confirms the strength of mutual commitments between our two countries, as Britain prepares to Brexit."

"The UK's support for the Lebanese government program and the Cedre conference is ongoing, but economic reforms are urgent and necessary for Lebanon to benefit from its full potential, especially since time is running out," Murrison stressed.

"My talks will also focus on the large number of displaced persons hosted by Lebanon. We are adopting a clear policy in this regard; we want the Syrians to return to their homes. And in order to ensure their permanent return, this process must be conducted in accordance with international laws, which stipulate clear criteria, among which the banning of a forced return. It is the Syrian regime that is preventing the repatriation of refugees at the moment," he explained, noting that he had witnessed the hospitality of the Lebanese people towards the displaced Syrians.

"We have come to support the Lebanese who bear this heavy burden, as well as to support the displaced," he said.

"I also discussed with Minister Bassil the recent disturbing confrontations with Israel, and conveyed our position clearly, expressing full support for UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701, and condemning all forms of violations thereto," Murrison said.

"The Lebanese laws are clear in terms of assigning to the Lebanese Armed Forces solely the task of defending Lebanon, and we will continue to provide support to the LAF and the Lebanese security services. According to Lebanese and international laws, no other team from outside the State services can possess weapons, because this undermines security and stability in Lebanon, which is already under enormous pressure at the time," he concluded.

On a different note, Bassil met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rose Marie de Carlo and discussed the situation on the border in southern Lebanon, the implementation of resolution 1701 and the repercussions of the military operation in northern Syria on Lebanon.

Bassil also tackled the situation in Lebanon and the region with US Ambassador Elizabeth Richard.