Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji received his German counterpart Johann Wadeful for a bilateral meeting, followed by broader discussions with the participation of German Ambassador Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stilfried and members of the two delegations, the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported, BTA reports.
The talks focused on key issues related to Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Wadeful informed Raji of his upcoming visit to Syria.
The German minister stressed that the purpose of his visit to Beirut is to explore how Germany can contribute to the stability of Lebanon, considered key to regional security. He condemned the Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, calling on Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and abide by the ceasefire agreement, as well as Hezbollah.
Wadeful welcomed the Lebanese government's decision to limit the proliferation of weapons through a state monopoly and expressed Germany's support for measures aimed at restoring control over southern Lebanon and the entire territory of the country. He warned that failure in this process would send a signal of the state's inability to exercise its authority.
For his part, Raji asked for Germany's help in putting pressure on Israel to stop the attacks, withdraw from the occupied territories and respect its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. He stressed that only a diplomatic solution can guarantee stability and peace in the south of the country. Raji confirmed that the Lebanese army continues to fulfill its tasks, and state control over weapons is the main condition for reconstruction and economic development.
The meeting also discussed the return of Syrian refugees. Wadeful assured that Germany supports Lebanon's position, and Raji stressed the need for this to happen with financial assistance to Syria.
Other topics of discussion included the rotation of the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as strengthening cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries, including increasing the number of scholarships for Lebanese students.