Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Rajji, and Lebanon's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ahmed Arafa participated in the opening of the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On the sidelines of the Assembly, Rajji held a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, discussing the latest developments in Lebanon and the negotiation track with Israel. During the meeting, Cardinal Parolin expressed "the Holy See's deep interest in Lebanon," stressing "the need for the Land of Cedars to restore its stability," and affirming "the Vatican's steadfast support for Lebanon and its full readiness to contribute to consolidating this stability." For his part, Rajji outlined the latest developments regarding the negotiation track, reiterating the Lebanese state's commitment to the option of negotiation as the only path that guarantees Lebanon and its people the desired security and peace.