President Michel Aoun praised cooperation between Lebanon and Germany in various fields, noting that resolving the economic file, combating corruption and following up the return of displaced Syrians were among the priorities of the government, in addition to Lebanon’s commitment to implement the agreements of the CEDRE Conference.
Aoun’s remarks came during his meeting with German Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Niels Annen, and his accompanying delegation.
“Tackling the economic issue, resuming the fight against corruption and the repatriation of the displaced Syrians are our government's priorities,” Aoun told his guest. He also underlined Lebanon’s commitment to implement CEDRE resolutions.
Aoun maintained that Lebanon was unable to bear the consequences of the massive presence of Syrian refugees, renewing calls on the international community to help repatriate the displaced to the safe zones in Syria and “not to hinder this return under the pretext of the political solution.”
“Lebanon will continue facilitating the repatriation of those wishing to return,” he said, noting that 162 thousand refugees have already returned home.
Annen, for his part, highly valued Aoun’s efforts to form the new government and underlined his country’s support for Lebanon and its continuous participation in the UNIFIL forces.
The German minister also met on Wednesday with Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.
