Russia will support the Lebanese Army, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday, adding that his country respects the democratic process in Lebanon, world media report on Thursday.
“ Russia will enhance military cooperation with Lebanon, mainly by reinforcing the defense capabilities of the Lebanese Army and security forces,” Lavrov said during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil held in Mosow.
“We will present our contributions to the international community in the plan to reinforce the Lebanese Army and the state institutions,” the Russian minister said, in reference to the plan by the International Support Group for Lebanon.
For his part, Bassil said that Russia can play a prominent role in contributing to political stability in Lebanon and the Middle East. The Lebanese official also said that Lebanon and Russia should cooperate regarding Lebanon's oil resources and the Syrian refugee crisis. Lavrov proposed a “systematic solution” for the refugee issue rather than “temporary humanitarian assistance.”
