German Deputy Foreign Minister Meets Aoun and Bassil

German Deputy Foreign Minister Niels Annen held separate talks Wednesday with President Michel Aoun and Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil during a visit to Lebanon.

Aoun told the visiting official that Lebanon has kickstarted reforms and that it is committed to the CEDRE Conference recommendations.

The President also stressed during the meeting that the economy, the anti-corruption battle and the repatriation of Syrian refugees are the government's top priorities.

Annen for his part said that his country will continue to support Lebanon and take part in UNIFIL's maritime force.

Earlier in the day, Annen met with Bassil in the presence of German Ambassador to Lebanon Georg Birgelen, the National News Agency reported.

Talks touched on Lebanon’s government program and the economic challenges it is facing, in addition to the political situation and the file of refugees.

Speaking to reporters following the talks, Annen said the meeting with Bassil was "cordial" and "fruitful," and that it focused on projects that could be executed in Lebanon in connection with the CEDRE conference.

"As an international community, we hope to contribute to Lebanon's prosperity," he said.

Bassil later met with Kuwaiti Ambassador to Lebanon, Abdul Al al-Qinai, who congratulated his host on the government formation.

They also discussed the current situation on the local and regional scenes.