Iran, Lebanon determined to boost bilateral ties

Lebanon and Iran have stepped up ties in a new round of bilateral meetings taking place in Beirut. The joint Lebanese-Iranian committee was formed during the last visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It has since agreed on several issues which can boost the economies of both states.
The joint Lebanese-Iranian economic and social committee has held meetings in Beirut in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties between the two states in various levels.

The committee was formed after the visit of the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Lebanon in 2010.

The meetings were headed by the Lebanese Economy Minister Nicolas Nahhas and Iranian Minister of Road and Urban Development Ali Nikzad.

Nikzad told Press TV that the aim of the meetings is to improve ties and create a free trade zone between Lebanon and Iran.

The discussions also pave the way for a pivotal gathering, which will take place between the Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Iranian vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi, who will review the report raised by the committee.

Some 32 agreements have already been signed between Lebanon and Iran. Now, the committee members said the focus should be on implementing the agreements already agreed upon.

Despite the fact that Lebanese officials have stressed that the talks with Iran are historical and would help Lebanon’s economic growth, some fear that political aspects could get in the way.

Sources had told "As-Safir" Lebanese daily that the U.S. embassy in Beirut is attempting to thwart the meetings of the Lebanese Iranian Higher Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.

However, ministerial sources stressed that the Lebanese government will work according to its interests, which lie in good relations with brotherly and friendly countries including Iran.

The Lebanese-Iranian joint economic committee stressed the need to remove all administrative, technical and customs-related obstacles which can hinder economic relations; however, this could take some time especially since experts believe economic and political pressure maybe exerted on Lebanon as a result of its good ties with Iran.

(Source: PressTV)