Shamkhani in Lebanon to discuss defense cooperation

The secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has arrived in Lebanon to hold talks on defense cooperation.

Heading a high-ranking political and security delegation, Ali Shamkhani arrived in the Lebanese capital, Beirut on Monday night.

Upon arrival in the Lebanese capital, Shamkhani praised the historical and constructive ties between Iran and Lebanon, saying his visit is aimed at holding dialogue and consultations with the Lebanese officials on political and security developments in the region as well as ways for cooperation between Tehran and Beirut in confronting the common threats facing the two nations.

“I will confer with the Lebanese officials on the framework of defense cooperation between Iran and Lebanon as well as providing the Lebanese army with its equipment needs, requested by Beirut,” said the Iranian official.

Earlier this month, Iran’s Ambassador to Beirut Mohammad Fat’hali expressed the Islamic Republic’s support for the Lebanese army in the fight against Takfiri militants.

He made the remarks in a meeting with Lebanese Defense Minister Samir Moqbel in Beirut, saying Tehran was ready to lend any type of support to Beirut in its efforts to restore security and stability to the Arab country if requested.

Lebanon has been rocked by the spillover of the conflict in Syria.