Raggi and Lavrov discuss Lebanon’s sovereignty, Israeli withdrawal and bilateral cooperation in Moscow
Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Youssef Raggi met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow for talks on bilateral relations and developments in Lebanon and the wider region.
Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, expressing Moscow’s readiness to assist Lebanon amid the difficult circumstances facing its people as a result of Israeli attacks.
Raggi thanked Lavrov for his hospitality and stressed Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural relations with Russia on the basis of mutual interests.
He reiterated Lebanon’s demand for an Israeli withdrawal and an end to attacks, describing the country’s difficult position amid Israel’s continued military presence and Hezbollah’s refusal to surrender its weapons.
Raggi emphasized the Lebanese state’s determination to extend its exclusive authority across the country and ensure that weapons and decisions concerning war and peace remain solely in the hands of legitimate state institutions.
He stressed that the government’s decision to establish exclusive state control over arms was taken in Lebanon’s national interest, not at the behest of any foreign country.
Raggi also expressed hope that Russia would play a constructive role, drawing on its position on the UN Security Council and regional influence, to support Lebanon’s stability, strengthen state institutions and reinforce diplomatic efforts without linking Lebanon’s interests to broader regional settlements.
Discussions continued over a luncheon hosted by Lavrov, focusing particularly on cultural and educational cooperation.
Raggi welcomed Russia’s decision to increase scholarships for Lebanese students, expressed hope for the return of Russian tourists to Beirut and invited Lavrov to visit Lebanon.
During his Moscow visit, Raggi also toured the Lebanese Embassy, where Ambassador Bachir Azzam briefed him on its operations. The minister praised embassy personnel and highlighted the importance of diplomatic missions in serving Lebanese citizens and strengthening relations with host countries.
