Russia and Lebanon mark 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations

Russia and Lebanon have marked the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

"The anniversary year for Moscow and Beirut has seen further development of a trustful partnership," Jacques Sarraf, president of the Lebanese Industrialists' Association and co-chairman of the Russian-Lebanese business council, said, interviewed by Russian journalists.

The prominent Arab businessman pointed out that bilateral ties at all levels have "seen noticeable progress" in recent years.

"As a businessman advocating expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia," he said, "I see my task in this positive growth assuming a steady character."

He indicated there are good prospects for joint investment projects.

Sarraf, who is also an honorary consul of Russia in Tripoli and heads the Russia-Lebanese Friendship Society, emphasized the great importance of Russian-Lebanese cultural coordination.

"Centuries of contacts with Russia have enriched Lebanon spiritually. Huge intellectual potential has been accumulated. Several generations of the Lebanese have received and are receiving an education in Russia. These are specialists needed not only by Lebanon, but also by the whole Arab world," Sarraf said.

Foreign ministers Sergei Lavrov of Russia and Jean Obeid of Lebanon on Thursday exchanged congratulatory telegrams on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reported the information and press department of Russia's Foreign Ministry.

"The messages sent by the heads of foreign departments of Russia and Lebanon give a high assessment of constructive Russian-Lebanese dialogue on current international and regional issues, and also of the present state of and future prospects for bilateral and mutually beneficial cooperation," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.