Beirut: President of the Republic Joseph Aoun, on Friday affirmed Lebanon's readiness to strengthen economic and trade relations with Iran during a meeting on Monday at Baabda Palace with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, stressing that such cooperation should serve the interests of both peoples and be pursued through coordination between the relevant ministries, particularly foreign affairs and economy and trade, via joint committees.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun reiterated the position he had previously conveyed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Doha, underscoring Lebanon's commitment to building the best possible relations with Iran on the basis of mutual respect, transparency, frankness, and non-interference in internal affairs. Moreover, the President noted the significant challenges facing both countries and extended New Year wishes of security and well-being to the Iranian people, asking Araqchi to convey his greetings and best wishes to President Pezeshkian.

For his part, Araqchi conveyed the Iranian president's greetings to Aoun, recalling their Doha meeting, and said his visit aimed to enhance and develop bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and trade fields. He reaffirmed Iran's support for Lebanon's independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and reviewed trade relations and meetings held in Beirut with Lebanese business figures to explore opportunities for expanded cooperation.