Beirut: Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani on Monday said President Joseph Aoun's foreign visits were aimed at rallying political support for Lebanon and developing the country's trade and economic relations with other states, citing recent engagement with the United Arab Emirates.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Hani spoke to Voice of All Lebanon radio, addressing Lebanon's request to extend UNIFIL's mandate, which was facing US opposition but had not yet been settled. Discussions were underway over the possibility of establishing another international force. He emphasized that southern Lebanon should not be left without an international presence amid ongoing Israeli attacks, adding that the government was using all available means to halt the attacks, secure an Israeli withdrawal, and begin reconstruction as quickly as possible.

Hani also noted that negotiations were continuing, though results on the ground remained limited. This has fueled concern among Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and the Lebanese public.

Separately, Hani reassured that the olive and olive oil season in southern Lebanon remained sound and had not been affected by shelling, stating that the Agriculture Ministry was monitoring the situation through periodic testing.