President Michel Aoun welcomed at Baabda Palace on Friday visiting British Secretary of State for International Development, Alistair Burt.
"Lebanon urges a speedy solution to the Syrian crisis because any delay resolving this calamity increases the sufferings of Syrians, not mention the repercussions of their displacement on Lebanon," President Aoun told his visitors, stressing Lebanon's utter refusal to naturalize any foreigner present on its territories.
During the meeting, which had been also attended by British Ambassador to Lebanon, Hugo Shorter, and an accompanying British delegation, President Aoun also stressed "the strong existing relations between Lebanon and the United Kingdom."
The President thanked the UK for its support to the Lebanese Army, especially in training the land border army units deployed along the eastern borders of Lebanon. Aoun also expressed hope that Britain would consider increasing its aid to the Lebanese army in a bid to maintain stability and combat terrorism.
President Aoun also briefed the British delegation on Lebanon's position vis-a-vis Syrian displacement.
"Lebanon bears a heavy burden as a result of this displacement," Aoun said, adding that he has also echoed this plea to the heads of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the European Union, and the Arab League.
"Lebanon is no longer capable of addressing the security, economic and social consequences resulting from the presence of Syrian refugees," Aoun added.
Moreover, the President asked of his British visitors "to intervene to stop the hostile Israeli actions against Lebanon and to stop the threats that have been recently increasing."
In turn, Burt stressed his country's desire to develop bilateral relations with Lebanon in all fields, especially within the military and economic fields.
He also praised the achievements of the Lebanese army liberating the country from a group of terrorists.
Burt also offered Aoun condolences on the military martyrs who fell during battles against Daesh, and who were kidnapped back in 2014.
"My country looks forward to support the Lebanese economy and development projects, as well as everything that would help to mitigate the repercussions of the Syrian refugee crisis on Lebanon," he added.
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