Foreign Office Minister visits Lebanon
British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt is in Beirut to relay the UK's strong commitment to an independent and secure Lebanon.
He will hold discussions with Lebanese officials on bilateral relations and the situation in the region.
Speaking on arrival, Minister Burt said:
“I am delighted to be back in Beirut to celebrate the growing UK relationship with Lebanon. I look forward to meetings with His Excellency Prime Minister Miqati and other Lebanese officials, to relay the UK’s strong commitment to an independent and secure Lebanon, including through full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
I also look forward to discussing pressing foreign policy matters, including how to bring an end to the terrible violence in neighbouring Syria and to ensure Lebanon is protected from the effects of that violence. Our discussions will also touch on the Middle East Peace Process and the urgent need for progress towards a two-state solution, as well as the situation of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. I will highlight to the business community the opportunities for trade with Britain in 2012. And I will extend an invitation to the Lebanese people to tune in to the greatest show on earth: the 2012 London Olympics.’’
The Minister last visited Lebanon in July 2010.