President Michel Aoun met with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday, the second day of his visit to Moscow, with whom he was expected to discuss the crucial role Russia can play in facilitating Syrian refugee returns from Lebanon.
“Lebanon is an old and traditional partner in the Middle East,” Putin told Aoun during the meeting, part of which was televised.
Other than the refugee issue, Aoun and Putin discussed the United States’ recent decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. The Lebanese president reiterated to Putin his stance that «the decision contradicts international resolutions from the United Nations, and we regret that such a decision has been taken.»