Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri secured on Thursday Russia’s support for the government formation process and means to solve the worsening economic crisis.
During his visit to Moscow, Hariri was expected to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But the meeting was replaced by a 50-minute phone call between the two leaders over the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and because Putin had received his second vaccine shot.
The PM-designate held talks with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin over the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to the Lebanese-Russian bilateral relations.
"We confirm our willingness to do whatever it takes to develop these relations in different fields in the coming stage, for the benefit of our people," said Mishustin as he welcomed Hariri and the accompanying delegation, stressing the solid ties between both countries.
Following the meeting, Hariri said he spoke with the Russian PM about economic issues, noting that when Lebanon forms a government and implement the required reforms, “we would like to see all the Russian companies invest in Lebanon, whether in the electricity sector or other infrastructure projects.”
A statement released by the Kremlin said the Russian President reaffirmed the principled support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.
It added that Putin and Hariri discussed regional issues and expressed readiness to cooperate on creating favorable conditions for the safe return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon.
