Russian-Lebanese Talks to Strengthen Bilateral Relations and Support Renewal of UNIFIL's Mandate

Discussed by the head of the Russian-Lebanese Cooperation Office, Mohammad Nassar al-Din, during his meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko, were Russian-Lebanese relations and ways to activate and develop them.

The meeting addressed the importance of Lebanon leveraging Russia’s network of relations with all regional countries, which could serve as a supportive factor in aiding Lebanon and supporting it on several important and urgent issues, alongside focusing on enhancing and developing economic cooperation to serve the interests of both countries.

The issue of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was also addressed during the meeting, given the expiration of its mandate at the end of this year, with the Russian side reaffirming its support for the renewal of the mandate and the continuation of the international forces’ mission in Lebanon.

Borisenko reiterated Russia’s unwavering support for Lebanon, particularly in international forums, stressing Moscow’s commitment to Lebanon’s unity and territorial integrity and its rejection of any occupation of any part of Lebanese territory, and the necessity of ending the Israeli occupation and withdrawing to internationally recognized borders.

The Russian deputy foreign minister affirmed his country’s readiness to assist Lebanon in every request across political, military, and economic domains, reflecting Moscow’s determination to continue supporting Lebanon and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, al-Din thanked Borisenko for Russia’s essential and ongoing contributions to Lebanon, expressing hope that this support would continue and grow in the future, driven by a shared desire to strengthen relations between the two countries and expand areas of cooperation to serve their common interests.