Ayatollah Khamenei the Leader of the Islamic Revolution met this morning with the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his accompanying delegation. Speaking at the meeting, the Leader described Lebanon as an important country that is at the forefront of confronting the usurping Zionist regime. He added: "The Islamic Republic of Iran wants Lebanon to be developed, prosperous, prominent and pioneering."His Eminence stressed that Iran will spare no effort to aid the progress and development of Lebanon. "The prosperity of the people of Lebanon makes Iran delighted, just as the hardships and sufferings of Lebanon will cause Iran to be unhappy."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to the negations conducted in Tehran and reiterated: "The ground is prepared for the strengthening of the relations between the two countries, and these relations should be further expanded, especially in trade, development and construction sectors."
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the continuous attacks of the Zionist regime on Lebanon and added: "If it can, the Zionist regime will go beyond Beirut and even Tripoli in order to besiege Syria. But resistance is the only deterring factor against the usurping Zionist regime."
His Eminence stressed that Lebanon is the only Arab country that has managed to defeat the Zionist regime and reiterated: "Resistance is the only factor that the enemies of Lebanon are unable to confront. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate it."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution added: "As long as the Zionist regime exists, Lebanon will need resistance."
Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his satisfaction with the good relationship between Saad Hariri and Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah as well as the officials of the Lebanese resistance forces. "These relationships should be strengthened more than before."
His Eminence stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports the unity and independence of Lebanon. He added: "Lebanon is a multi-religious country, and the followers of different religions and sects have lived together peacefully for many years, but some people are after causing turmoil and religious conflicts. And it is necessary to stand up to such motives."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution referred to his meeting with the former Lebanese Prime Minister the late Rafik Hariri and spoke about his efforts for the progress of Lebanon.
In this meeting, Prime Minister Saad Hariri expressed his satisfaction over his meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and said: "We consider the Islamic Republic of Iran as a friend and brother of Lebanon. Iran has always helped the people of Lebanon during hard times."
He added that the Lebanese government wants to expand its relations with Iran in economic, political and cultural areas.
The Lebanese Prime Minister said that the Lebanese government consists of all the important and influential parties and groups of Lebanon. "The most important goal of the Lebanese government is to preserve and strengthen national unity, movement within the framework of commonalities and resistance against invasion."
Saad Hariri stressed: "Any kind of discord in Lebanon will benefit Israel."