Russia supports Hariri’s efforts to form Lebanon’s government

Russia supports Hariri’s efforts to form Lebanon’s government

MOSCOW--Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri visited Russia on Thursday, securing Moscow's support for the swift formation of a new government in Lebanon and the required measures to deal with a worsening economic crisis the country is facing.

Initially, Hariri was expected to hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin but the meeting was eventually replaced with a 50-minute phone call between the two leaders.

According to Russian authorities, direct talks were not possible due to health concerns after Putin received his second vaccine shot against the coronavirus.

Hariri also held talks with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin over the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, in addition to discussions about the Lebanese-Russian bilateral relations.

“We confirm our willingness to do whatever it takes to develop these relations in different fields in the coming stage, for the benefit of our people,” said Mishustin as he welcomed Hariri and the accompanying delegation.

The Russian premier also stressed “the strong ties between both countries.”

For his part, Hariri said, “Lebanon is in economic, social and health distress, and we hope that you will help by securing the Russian vaccine that has proven effective for Lebanon's people and residents.”

Hariri, a three-time prime minister, resigned in 2019 after nationwide protests