Turkish FM stresses stability in Lebanon
Xinhua, December 2, 2016 Adjust font size:
Visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed Friday that "stability is an important factor in Lebanon," reiterating the importance of "strengthening the Turkish-Lebanese relations."
Cavusoglu, who kicked off a visit to Beirut on Friday, held a meeting with President Michel Aoun and conveyed a message from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of congratulating the Lebanese new head of state on his election, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Touching on the repercussions of the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, Aoun highlighted the "need for reaching a political solution in Syria" and hailed Lebanon's role in sheltering displaced Syrians.
"Syria's stability and security must be strengthened. There is a joint understanding on the need for a ceasefire in Syria because the situation in Aleppo is worrisome and a political solution is appropriate," he said.
The Turkish minister concluded that Syrian President Bashar Assad "can't stay in power and no one can deny his responsibility for the death of thousands of Syrian civilians."
Cavusoglu also met with caretaker Prime Minister Tammam Salam and his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil. Endit