BEIRUT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. National Security Advisor Jim Jones met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman to push forward bilateral ties.

    "During his meeting (with Suleiman), Jones expressed support for strengthening Lebanon's state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces," the U.S. embassy in Lebanon said in a statement.

    He reiterated the U.S. President Barak Obama's "commitment to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Lebanon across a broad range of issues."

    Jones also stressed that "our efforts to achieve our goals in the Middle East, especially a comprehensive regional peace, will not come at Lebanon's expense."

    According to local Voice of Lebanon radio, Suleiman brought up the issues of U.S. tight security screenings recently of travellers from some selected countries, including Lebanon.

    Jones also met with Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji. The talks touched on the intended U.S. aids to the Lebanese Army and means of activating military cooperation between the two armies, Qahwaji's office said in a statement.

    The U.S. official also met in Beirut with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

    Jones concluded Friday in Lebanon the week-long visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestinian territories and Lebanon.