Zarif who is on an official visit to Lebanon met with Lebanese President Michel Sleiman on Monday.

Zarif stressed on the importance of good relations between Iran and Arab countries to protect and reinforce stability in the region.

According to Sleiman’s office, Zarif also expressed relief on the positive developments at the local level, primarily surrounding the formation of a new government, praising Sleiman’s role in providing a positive atmosphere and strengthening unity and stability.

Speaking about the ongoing crisis in Syria and preparations for the upcoming Geneva 2 peace conference, Zarif called for a peaceful solution for the crisis in Syria while leaving the Syrian people to decide their country's political fate.

He said regardless of whether or not Iran was invited to the conference his government would continue efforts to promote stability in the Middle East. He added that the stability would in turn reflect positively on the situation in Lebanon.

Sleiman, for his part, commended Iran's role at the international and regional levels, stressing on the importance of dialogue between Iran and Arab countries and for good ties to preserve stability in the Middle East.

Sleiman also said it was important for the Geneva 2 peace conference to come up with a roadmap for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria.

RA/NJF