Lebanese FM: Lebanon supports Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri is supposed to visit Azerbaijan this year. How will this visit change the development of bilateral relations between countries? What visits are planned by you and what future steps will Beirut take to develop relations with Azerbaijan in economic and political spheres?

Since taking the office, the Prime Minister of Lebanon has visited a number of countries, with which Lebanon has diplomatic and consular relations, within the overall government policy to strengthen the role of the country, especially during the election of Lebanon as a member to the UN Security Council for 2010-2011.

Immigration & Foreign Affairs Minister accompanies the Head of State during official visits or conducts himself separate meetings and makes visits, depending on conditions.

It is well known the importance of these visits to strengthen relations between Lebanon and the fraternal countries in the field of economy, social relations, culture and science.

With regards to relations with Azerbaijan, Lebanon has officially recognized the Republic of Azerbaijan after the declaration of its independence in 1991, and charged its embassy in Moscow to deal with the Lebanese people living in Azerbaijan until opening embassy and consulates there.

In 1992, diplomatic relations were established between the countries and an ambassador - non-resident of Azerbaijan in Lebanon was appointed, but the vice-versa exchange did not happen. In addition, agreements were signed on cooperation in trade, economic and customs sectors.

There are a number of draft agreements on cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, educational and scientific fields; an agreement on judicial cooperation in civil and criminal cases and the agreement on avoidance of double taxation are under the process of preparation.

The exact date of next visit to Azerbaijan has not been determined yet. However, in the future, when the issue becomes clearer, it will facilitate legalizing cooperation in various areas of bilateral relations.

The agenda includes visits with economic and social objectives, mentioned in Lebanon's foreign policy plan.

How does Lebanon assess the negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? What is Lebanon's official position on this issue?

Lebanon supports Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders on the basis of international law and in accordance with U.N. resolutions.

Although Lebanon had abstained from voting on the 63th meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, Beirut is committed to friendly relations with Azerbaijan, and continues constant consultations and cooperation with Baku in various fields.

Given the economic growth of Azerbaijan, which sectors of the economy are most interesting for Lebanese investors?

Lebanon hopes to participate in the economic growth of Azerbaijan, which will improve opportunities for the Lebanese investments. In particular, Lebanon is ready to offer the Azerbaijani market services in consulting and banking, tourism development, expansion of the food sector, the production of clothing, perfume and electrical goods. The potential of mutual trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Lebanon can be raised.

Does Beirut consider that Turkey can become a successful mediator in solving Middle East problems, given the increased cooperation between Ankara and the countries of the region?

Until now, Lebanon has relied on good relations with neighboring countries and diligently strives to develop and preserve these relations. Lebanon is a peace-loving country, which is an example of openness, freedom, and peaceful co-existence in the region. Lebanon has only one enemy - this is Israel for occupying Lebanese territories and refusing to withdraw troops from them, in spite of resolution 425 (1978) and 1701 (2006), which once again confirms 425. According to it, Israel must fully and immediately withdraw from Lebanese occupied territories to the internationally recognized borders.

In this regard, retaining the full right of Lebanon to defend itself from any attack and liberate its territories, Lebanon welcomes any efforts that friendly countries make to resolve the Middle East problem and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Firstly this is the Palestinian problem and the right of the Palestinian people to establish their own state and return to their lands, according to the Arab peace initiative.

Lebanon, therefore, supports the renewed mobilization of Turkey's efforts, particularly because strong historical and cultural ties connect it with Turkey. Turkey plays a strategic role at regional and international levels.

With the support of major powers, especially the U.S., Turkey has succeeded in bringing together the views and positions in conducting indirect talks between Israeli and Syrian sides.

/Trend News/