Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Tuesday that Ankara wanted to develop and strengthen bilateral relations with Lebanon.
During separate meetings held in Beirut with President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Cavusoglu discussed regional issues, mainly the Syrian crisis and the return of the refugees.
The Turkish FM held a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib at the end of his visit.
“My visit to Lebanon today is to confirm Turkey's continued support for the country, and to invite Prime Minister Najib Mikati to visit Turkey,” Cavusoglu said.
The Turkish FM said he discussed with Lebanese officials strengthening tourism between the two countries, and cooperation on sustainable energy, as well as improving economic and agricultural relations.
Cavusoglu underlined "the need for everyone to support the Lebanese government so that Lebanon overcomes its crises and so that the parliamentary elections take place on time."
Bou Habib said that Lebanon and Turkey should unify their efforts on the Syrian refugee crisis, calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities.
The refugee issue was also the main topic of discussion between the Turkish official and Aoun, who said “Lebanon welcomes any assistance that Turkey can provide to facilitate the return of the displaced Syrians to their homes.”
