BEIRUT, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hussein Jaber Ansari on Monday praised Lebanon as "a bright model of coexistence, resistance, and steadfastness."
Ansari was speaking to reporters after meeting Lebanese Speaker of the House Nabih Berri, accompanied by Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Fathali, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The meeting reportedly was focused on the discussion of the latest developments in Lebanon and the broader Middle East region.
"There are two key missions for the Iranian Foreign Ministry in the upcoming stage. The first one is to widen the scope of ties on the regional scale, and the second is to bolster economic relations with the regional countries through economic diplomacy," Ansari was quoted as saying.
He said his visit to Lebanon proves that the Iran pays great attention to Lebanon's status regarding the two missions.
"We also consider that the role assumed by Lebanon in fighting terrorism is crucial and constructive," Ansari said.
He added that he wanted to convey the main message to all Lebanese political and spiritual leaders that Iran "is open to all the Lebanese political, religious, and social sides."
Ansari, who arrived in Lebanon on Monday, has met with Lebanese President Mihcel Aoun and is expected to hold talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil and Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt.
