Sleiman holds talks with Venezuelan, Brazilian leaders in Doha
President Michel Sleiman returned to Beirut Tuesday afternoon after a two-day visit to Doha, where he took part in the Arab Summit and the Arab-South American Summit. On the sidelines of the Arab-South American Summit, Sleiman held talks with Brazil”s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Venezuela”s Hugo Chavez.
Talks with da Silva centered on promoting bilateral ties between Lebanon and Brazil. Sleiman and da Silva also discussed the contributions of the large Lebanese emigrant community to various sectors in Brazil.
In comments published Tuesday, Sleiman said Lebanese-Syrian relations were deeper than merely diplomatic ties, "but international relations today demand diplomatic exchange."
In an interview with the Kuwaiti daily Ad-Dar, Sleiman said he had discussed with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, with whom he met on the sidelines of the Arab Summit held on Monday, several issues related to the two countries.
"The relations between the two states are excellent," and heading toward the best interest of both parties, he said.
Addressing Arab leaders at the Arab Summit on Monday, Sleiman reiterated his calls for the establishment of a unified and comprehensive Arab strategy to face challenges in the region, mainly Israeli threats.
"Arab reconciliation is an urgent need; it is necessary to reach an agreement over an Arab comprehensive strategy to face the current challenges, in particular Israeli challenges and the legitimate right for the resistance," he said.
Sleiman also stressed the need to find a comprehensive and sustainable solution for the Palestinian cause. Lebanon "places special importance on a Palestinian accord," the Lebanese president said, expressing his concern over "the continuous inter-Palestinian tensions." He added that Lebanon was still facing "a series of challenges," such as recovering Israeli-occupied land, fighting terrorism, implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and ensuring the Palestinian right of return to their homeland."