Lebanese President Michel Aoun asked Russia on Tuesday for assistance in facilitating the return of Syrian refugees.
"We maintain relations with the leadership of your country and with all representatives of political parties," Russian President Vladimir Putin told Aoun in Moscow, noting that this year marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, officials from the Lebanese presidency described Aoun’s two-day visit to Moscow as “excellent,” saying there was Russian consensus on supporting Lebanon and its regional role and stability.
The two leaders agreed to further strengthen and develop friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, including measures to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees, a Kremlin statement said.
They expressed support to the process of political settlement in Syria and fight against terrorism in the war-torn country.
They also reiterated the importance of Russia's initiative in securing the return of refugees, including those displaced internally.
“Resolving this problem depends directly on ... improving Syria's social and economic conditions, through post-conflict reconstruction,” the Kremlin statement said.
Lebanon has taken in over 1 million refugees from Syria.
Aoun said Lebanon faces an economic fall-out from the Syrian crisis and expressed hope that Putin would help his country repatriate the Syrians.
The Lebanese President discussed the issue on Monday with Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the lower house of Russian Parliament.
"It is in the interest of Europe to resolve the Syrian refugee crisis because the dire economic situation in Lebanon will eventually lead refugees to seek other alternatives, and European countries will be their first destination,” Aoun said.
