Bogdanov Continues Meetings with Lebanese Politicians

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov accompanied by Russian ambassador Alexander Zasypkin held several meetings with Lebanese politicians on Saturday, the National News Agency reported.

Bogdanov met with Free Patirotic Movement chief MP Michel Aoun but he left without giving any statement, the agency said.

He later held a meeting with Head of the Kataeb Party Amin Gemayel where talks touched on the Syrian refugees crisis in Lebanon.

“We have a huge number of Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon. It is in Lebanon's best interest that we find away to facilitate their return to their homeland,” said Gemayel after the meeting.

Gemayel described the meeting as “productive.”

Earlier, Bogdanov also met with former Premier Najib Miqati, and talks focused on the latest developments in the middle east and the implications they have on the situation in Lebanon.

Talks also highlighted the bilateral relations between Russia and Lebanon.

Bogdanov is in Beirut at the invitation of Lebanese Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil. He also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam, parliament speaker Nabih Berri, former president Michel Suleiman and Army Commander, General Jean Qahwaji.

Bogdanov will take part, later during the day, in a solemn ceremony devoted to the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Following his two-day visit to Beirut, he is expected to travel to Turkey for talks with several Syrian opposition figures and with Turkish officials on the war in Syria.

The diplomat last visited Lebanon in April 2013.