Iranian FM stresses importance of establishing good ties with Arab countries

Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that the Islamic Republic of Iran stands by the Lebanese nation and government, calling for unity among the Lebanese political parties. Zarif made the remarks while talking to reporters after his meeting with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman this morning. During the meeting, bilateral and regional issues including the humanitarian crisis in Syria have been discussed, said Zarif. He said that all states should cooperate to bring about peace and stability to the region and prevent spread of extremism. For his part, Sueliman hailed the role played by Iran on the regional and international levels and its positive impact in general, stressing the need for the Iranian-Arab dialogue and the establishment of good ties to maintain security and stability in the Middle East. He expressed hope the (Geneva 2) conference would produce tangible outcomes to put an end to the Syrian crisis. Zarif and his entourage arrived in the Lebanese capital late on Sunday upon an official invitation from his Lebanese counterpart Adnan Mansour. Earlier on Monday, Zarif paid tribute to the martyrs of the last November blasts near the Iranian embassy in Beirut as well as the martyrs of the Lebanese resistance movement.