Beirut has welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi keenness to establish good relations with the Lebanese government, while saying that “rationality requires dealing with states first, rather than with internal parties or factions”.

On Friday, Araghchi said in comments carried by Al-Alam TV that Iran wanted “good relations with all groups and factions in Lebanon, and we are ready for good relations with the Lebanese government”.

“Of course, we do not agree with some of the Lebanese government’s policies, and we hope the Lebanese Foreign Ministry will show more rationality,” he added.

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On Sunday, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it “welcomes the Iranian foreign minister’s keenness to establish good relations with the Lebanese government”.