Lebanese FM discusses regional developments, ceasefire efforts with Vatican secretary of state

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji held talks with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin in the presence of Lebanon’s ambassador to the Holy See, Fadi Assaf.

The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, focused on the situation in Lebanon, regional developments, ongoing efforts to reduce tensions, the course of negotiations and Syrian refugees' issues.

Rajji thanked the Holy See for its diplomatic efforts and contacts in support of Lebanon, particularly efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire. 

He also praised the Vatican’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and unity, as well as the humanitarian assistance provided to the Lebanese people.

The foreign minister stressed the importance of ending Israeli attacks and securing Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, saying this would help reinforce stability and create conditions for the return of normal life to affected areas.

For his part, Parolin reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to Lebanon and its role as a model of pluralism and coexistence, while emphasizing the importance of preserving the Christian presence in the Middle East and strengthening dialogue and national unity among the Lebanese.

The two sides also stressed the need to support Lebanese state institutions and enable them to extend authority across all Lebanese territory, while reinforcing the role of the Lebanese Army in maintaining security and stability, in line with the principle that arms and decisions of war and peace should remain exclusively in the hands of the state in accordance with the constitution and relevant international resolutions.

Both sides expressed hope that ongoing negotiations and diplomatic contacts would lead to progress and understandings that could strengthen stability, address outstanding issues and help Lebanon restore its historic role as a space for dialogue, coexistence and pluralism in the region.