Rouhani Lauds Lebanese Army 'Steadfastness' as Moqbel Says Iranian Donations 'of Extreme Importance'
The Iranian President Hassan Rohani praised on Sunday "the steadfastness and resistance" of the Lebanese army in facing "Takfiris", calling for "the expulsion of terrorist groups from the region."
While, the Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel announced that the donation that Islamic Republic intends to submit to the army "is extremely important."
"The need to praise the Lebanese army for its steadfastness and resistance against aggressors and terrorist," Rouhani stressed during his meeting with Moqbel on Sunday as quoted by the Iran's Fars news agency.
Iran's offer of military support -- made when Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani visited Beirut last month -- followed aid packages for the Lebanese army from Tehran's regional rival Riyadh as well as from Washington.
The Iranian president hoped to, "the union and rapprochement between the two countries and the two people witnesses steady growth."
“The Lebanese with all their sects and parties are in agreement today to support the Lebanese army to face the terrorist groups,” said Moqbel, “The Lebanese army has the complete readiness and cohesion needed.”
The defense minister added: "What we have significance is the maintenance of the Lebanese border and the fight against terrorist groups," stressing "the importance of Iran's continuous support for the Lebanese people."
In addition to the willingness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to provide armament support for the Lebanese army, it is ready to transfer its experiences to promote security in Lebanon and the region and to counter terrorist movements, said the Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani upon the the Lebanese Defense Minister's visit to him.
Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that Moqbel expressed in front of Shamkhani "his satisfaction after his visit to Iran," saying that Lebanon "is currently passing through tough circumstances and the aid from the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a friendly country, is of paramount importance."
He also pointed out the need to provide the Lebanese army with modern and necessary weapons considering that this action "leads to the improvement of the army's operational force in the face of terrorist groups and Takfiris."
"Maintaining stability and tranquility in this country," he added.
Moqbel is not entitled to sign any agreement or make any commitment to the Iranian military grant, As Safir daily reported on Friday.
His role is limited to informing the Lebanese government about the pledges made by the Iranian officials to take the appropriate action, said the newspaper.
Z.A.
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