President Michel Aoun told British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa, Alistair Burt that he will work with the new government to implement the pledges made to improve the national economy and to continue the administrative reforms and fighting corruption.
President Aoun said that efforts will continue to boost Lebanese-British relations and to build foundations for a deeper economic cooperation, mainly in terms of activating investments and strengthening commercial exchange between the two nations.
Aoun thanked the minister for the support provided by Britain to the Lebanese army, mainly in terms of building watch towers to control the Lebanese-Syrian borders, calling for the kingdom’s help in making Israel end its violations to the Lebanese sovereignty.
He also tackled the repercussions resulted from the Syrian displacement to Lebanon on all levels, which are increasing day after day, noting that Lebanon will continue to provide care for the refugees despite the difficult economic conditions faced by Lebanon.
“Lebanon continues to urge the International Community to facilitate the progressive return of the refugees to safe zones in Syria,” he added, pointing out that the voluntary return of the Syrians that takes place from time to time, even in small numbers, confirms their willingness to return to their home country.
He strongly denied rumors of pressures being exerted on them to leave Lebanon.
The British minister had congratulated Aoun on the accomplishment of the parliamentary elections, stressing his country's desire "to continuously enhance relations between the two countries, specifically in terms of supporting the army."
Separately, President Aoun also received a delegation of Real Estate Developers Association in Lebanon (REDAL) headed by Nmeir Qartas.
The delegation informed Aoun of the preparations to hold the 1st national conference on housing in Lebanon, hoping that the president will sponsor the event.