Hariri Meets Bogdanov, Ayesh on Sidelines of Rome II Conference

Prime Minister Saad Hariri met at his residence in Rome, with the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov where they discussed the Russian contribution to the Rome-2 conference and the bilateral relations between Lebanon and Russia, Hariri's media office said on Thursday.

After the meeting, Bogdanov said: “Discussions with PM Hariri highlighted the significance of Rome II (donor conference). We are participating at the invitation of Hariri and the Italian government.

“We have had a fruitful cooperation with Lebanon for a long time in various fields, including enhancing the army's combat capabilities so that it can fight the (extremist groups) Islamic State group and al-Nusra Front. We are cooperating in more than one area with the government, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior in training cadres and exchanging information regarding transnational crimes and terrorism,” he added.

Discussions have also focused on cooperation between the two countries, stressing that Russia “will always support the legitimate interests of our friends in Lebanon and we demand that everyone respect Lebanon's sovereignty and political, economic and security interests.”

The Syrian refugees issue was also subject for discussion, “it is a complicated file taking into consideration the economic, social and humanitarian conditions in Lebanon. We agreed to continue contacts and push things forward in order to strengthen the bonds of mutual friendship and cooperation based on mutual benefit,” concluded Bogdanov.

Hariri arrived Wednesday evening in the Italian capital to lead Lebanon's delegation to the Rome II conference that is aimed at rallying support for Lebanon's army and security forces.

Hariri is accompanied by the ministers of defense, interior and foreign affairs; the chiefs of the army, Internal Security Forces and General Security; Lebanon's ambassador to Italy; the director of his office Nader Hariri; his adviser on military affairs retired Brig. Gen. Maroun Hitti and a large number of officers.

Hariri also met with Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Mohammed Bin Abdullah al-Ayesh, in the presence of ministers Nouhad al-Mashnouq and Jebran Bassil, the head of the Saudi diplomatic mission in Lebanon Walid al-Bukhari and Hariri’s chief of staff Nader Hariri.