Lebanese ministers welcome Ahmadinejad’s visit

A number of Lebanese ministers expressed their happiness with the upcoming visit to Beirut of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Talking to IRNA in Beirut, they elaborated on President Ahmadinejad’s two-day visit which would start on Wednesday.

Minister of Youth and Sports Ali Abdullah referred to the visit as important from different aspects.

He further appreciated great assistance of the Islamic Republic of Iran to his country, saying such a move has resulted in further progress and development in the country.

Energy and Water Minister Gibran Bassil told IRNA that Ahmadinejad’s upcoming visit would bring about positive achievements for the Lebanese nation.

The Islamic Republic has always supported Beirut’s political stands and has helped the Lebanese nation during crucial times, he added.

The visit will bring blessings for the Lebanese people, he noted.

Agriculture Minister Husayn al-Hajj Hassan said that the Iranian President will be accorded a warm welcome by the Lebanese people from various walks of life.

Iran and Lebanon are two friendly countries, he said, adding that Iran is the main supporter of the Resistance Movement.

Tehran has recently announced its readiness to equip the Lebanese Army, he said, adding that the visit will be in line with further expansion of all-out ties between the two countries.

Iran and Lebanon will sign several agreements during the upcoming visit, he added.

Also talking to IRNA, Lebanese Information Minister Tarek Mitri said President Ahmadinejad’s visit to Lebanon has nothing to do with the Zionist regime.

The visit will be a sign of solidarity between the two nations, he said, adding that the visit will create an opportunity for supporting the Lebanese national unity and stability.

The Islamic Republic of Iran never interferes in the Lebanese domestic affairs, he said, referring to Iran as a powerful and influential country.

Minister of State without Portfolio Adnan al-Qassar said Tehran can help reduce the existing political tension in Lebanon.

President Ahmadinejad’s visit will be important from political and economic aspects, he said, adding that the two countries will ink various agreements in the areas of health, industry, energy, water and economy.

Talking to IRNA, Health Minister Muhammad Jawad Khalifa said the visit will help strengthen bilateral relations, adding that Iran is a friend of the Lebanese nation.

The Lebanese people are confident that the visit will help consolidate the Lebanese solidarity, the minister added.

Minister of Administrative Reform Muhammad Fnaysh also welcomed the Iranian President’s visit to his country and said the visit will be an indication of the common stand shared by the two countries regarding the conspiracies of the Zionist regime.

Praising Iran’s achievements in various technological, industrial and scientific areas, he said the visit will be an honor for the Lebanese nation.

He also appreciated great assistance of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Lebanese government and nation following the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.