Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi met Monday in Bkerke with British Ambassador to Lebanon, Ian Collard, who came on a protocol visit.

During the meeting, Rahi highlighted to his guest the importance of the support provided by Lebanon's friends amid these critical times, and called for holding an international conference for Lebanon.

For his part, the British Ambassador underlined that his country stands by the side of Lebanon to maintain its independence, sovereignty, and regional role.

The pair also agreed over the necessity to hold free and transparent parliamentary elections that preserve the rights of the Lebanese to choose their representatives.