Iranian Leader's Top Aide:

Election of Aoun to Benefit Syria, Resistance Front

Rasa - Iranian Supreme Leader's top aide Ali Akbar Velayati expressed pleasure in the election of Michel Aoun as Lebanon's president, saying that his rise to power will serve the interests of the resistance front which is assisting the Syrian government and nation in the fight against terrorism.

News ID: 424976

Date: 12 November 2016 - 13:37

RNA - "Election of Michel Aoun as the president after almost two years of different challenges was a political victory. The better and stronger Lebanon grows, the more beneficial it will be for the Syrian government and nation and beside them Iran, Iraq and the chain of resistance," Velayati told FNA on Saturday.

Noting that Lebanon's national, regional and international situation will strengthen under Aoun's, he said his presidency is an emphasis on Hezbollah's assistance to the Syrian nation and government.

"The current situation in Lebanon is to the benefit of the united front in Syria," Velayati said.

Just days after Lebanon's lawmakers elected former army commander, Michel Aoun, as president when they convened for their 46th attempt to choose a head of state, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Beirut and held a meeting with President Aoun.

During the meeting in the Lebanese capital last Monday, Zarif and President Aoun explored avenues for bolstering and reinvigorating mutual cooperation in different areas.

The Iranian foreign minister and the Lebanese president also discussed regional developments, including the situations in Lebanon and Syria.

"Iran will always support Lebanon and is determined to improve cooperation with the Arab country," Zarif added.

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated that the steadfastness and resistance of the Lebanese people would lead to the defeat of terrorist groups.

"Iran and Lebanon have common enemies such as the Zionist regime as well as Takfiri and terrorist groups; however, beyond the common enemies, there are joint interests for stability and progress between the two countries and we have stood and will stand by the Lebanese people on both grounds," Zarif added.

The Iranian foreign minister, meantime, extended his congratulations to President Aoun on his election as the new Lebanese chief executive, and said, "The country’s political achievement was a victory for the entire Lebanese nation."

Zarif stressed that the two countries have many opportunities for expansion of their political and economic relations, and said, "Iran and Lebanon should make use of their common interests to promote stability and progress for the two countries."

"We are optimistic about the future of relations between Iran and Lebanon and these ties, which serve the interests of the two countries’ people and the entire region, are not harmful to any side,” he added.

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