Manama:Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister, Youssef Rajji, engaged in a series of meetings with various delegation leaders during his visit to Bahrain for the 22nd "Manama Dialogue" forum. The discussions centered on the developments in Lebanon and the broader region.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Rajji's discussions began with German Deputy Defence Minister Nils Schmid, focusing on the European mission's deployment in Lebanon and future international presence following the impending end of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate. Rajji expressed appreciation for Germany's contribution to UNIFIL's maritime task force, highlighting the necessity of maintaining its presence in the Middle East.

Rajji further emphasized the critical need to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces to extend state authority and ensure military control remains with official institutions. Schmid conveyed Germany's readiness to contribute to any new international force replacing UNIFIL and supported Rajji's view on bolstering the Lebanese military's role for national stability.

In another meeting, Minister Rajji discussed Lebanon's latest developments with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Donald Blome. Rajji underscored the importance of US support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, noting it reflects global confidence in Lebanon's military capabilities. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity for Lebanon to continue its reform agenda across multiple sectors.

Rajji also met with Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, discussing Lebanon's situation, bilateral relations, and enhancing cooperation. He praised the Armenian community's role in Lebanon and briefed Mirzoyan on Lebanon's challenges, including Israeli actions and Hezbollah's defiance of government decisions. Mirzoyan advocated for dialogue and negotiations to resolve conflicts and achieve stability.

Additionally, Rajji held talks with Osman Fouad Al-Belbesi, IOM's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, on enhancing cooperation with Lebanon. Rajji expressed gratitude for IOM's assistance with cross-border movements at the Lebanese-Syrian border, while Al-Belbesi updated him on IOM's ongoing projects in Lebanon.