Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raji, met his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in the Russian capital, Moscow, and discussed with him bilateral relations between the two countries, and the situation in Lebanon and the region. Lavrov stressed Russia's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, territorial integrity and safety, and its readiness to extend a helping hand to Lebanon in light of the difficult circumstances that the Lebanese people are experiencing as a result of the Israeli attacks. For his part, the Lebanese Foreign Minister stressed Lebanon’s keenness to maintain the best relations with Russia, politically, economically and culturally, on the basis of common interests. Raji reiterated Lebanon's adherence to its sovereignty and territorial integrity and the necessity of Israeli withdrawal and stopping the attacks, explaining the delicate situation in Lebanon between "Israel's refusal to withdraw and its continuation of its attacks, and Hezbollah's refusal to hand over its weapons," stressing the state to complete the extension of its exclusive authority over its entire territory, and the exclusivity of weapons and the decision of peace and war are in the hands of its legitimate institutions. Raji expressed, “Lebanon aspires to a positive Russian role, based on Russia’s position in the Security Council and its position in the region, in a way that supports the stability of the state, strengthens its institutions, and fortifies the diplomatic path, without linking the Lebanese issue to any settlements that go beyond its national interests.”