MEA Secretary Ranganathan calls on Lebanon PM, discusses bilateral cooperation

Beirut, Aug 21 (AHN) Secretary (CPV and OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sripriya Ranganathan, on Friday called on Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, and discussed building on the strong platform of bilateral cooperation.

"Amb. Sripriya Ranganathan called on H.E. Dr Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon. They had fruitful discussions on India–Lebanon relations, building on the strong platform of bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest," the Embassy of India in Beirut stated on X.

Earlier in the day, the Secretary met Abdel Sattar Issa, Secretary General at Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beirut, and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations.

“H.E. Amb. Sripriya Ranganathan met H.E. Amb. Abdel Sattar Issa, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lebanon today. They reviewed the full gamut of India–Lebanon bilateral relations and exchanged views on further strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They also discussed the evolving situation in the region,” the Indian Embassy in Lebanon stated on X.

“Delighted to be in Beirut and begin my engagements by meeting Secretary General Amb. Abdul Sattar Essa to discuss our bilateral cooperation in all its aspects,” Secretary Ranganathan said on X.

The Indian diplomat also met with Nabih Berri, President of the National Assembly of Lebanon, and discussed ways to further strengthen the India–Lebanon partnership, including through parliamentary exchanges. They also discussed regional issues.

Ranganathan arrived in Beirut earlier in the day and was received by Ambassador Noor Rahman Sheikh. She is on the last leg of her official visit to Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16-21.

During her visit to Palestine, the Secretary participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the 200-bed Indian Super Speciality Hospital in Jenin, along with Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, marking a major milestone in India-Palestine development partnership.