Sleiman arrives in Argentina for a two-day visit

President Michel Sleiman, first lady Wafaa and an accompanying delegation arrived in Argentina on Wednesday dawn for a two-day official visit.     

Sleiman was greeted at the airport by Argentina's Deputy Foreign Minister Eduardo Zuain, Lebanese Ambassador to Argentina Hisham Hamdan and his wife, in addition to members of the Lebanese Embassy.  

Following the protocol reception, Sleiman headed to his residence at "Park Tower - Sheraton" where he held a meeting with his delegation to lay the finishing touches on the visit’s agenda. Sleiman is schedule to meet with Argentinian top officials including president Cristina Fernandez.

He was later received by a delegation of Lebanese expatriates carrying flowers, the Argentinian and Lebanese flags. The crowds also hoisted placards that read: "We are here in body but our hearts are in Lebanon".   

Before leaving Peru where he participated in the Summit of South American and Arab countries, Sleiman met with his Ecuadorean counterpart Rafael Correa to discuss bilateral ties. Sleiman briefed him on the current situation in Lebanon.     

Sleiman also met with Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki and discussed the situation in the region in light of the recent developments.  Both heads of state stressed the necessity to boost the bilateral ties between the two countries.       

Separately, Marzouki informed Sleiman that Tunisia decided to appoint a new ambassador to Lebanon.  

Sleiman met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera to review bilateral ties and discuss issues of mutual concern. Pinera invited Sleiman to visit Chile and Sleiman reportedly reciprocated the invitation.

Sleiman had arrived in the Peruvian capital, Lima on Monday where he headed an Arab group in the third Summit of South American and Arab Countries (ASPA).