Speaking at a meeting with Lebanese Ambassador to Tehran Fadi Haj Ali on Wednesday, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the former Iranian deputy foreign minister for Arab and African affairs, offered his congratulations to the Lebanese people on the election of the new president and said the Islamic Republic of Iran always follows developments in “the friendly country”.
“We believe that the election of Michel Aoun will play a significant role in resisting against the Zionist regime, strengthening stability and security in the region, and fighting against terrorism,” he noted.
The Lebanese diplomat, for his part, highlighted Iran’s decisive role in the region and said the Islamic Republic is a great country that has always sided with the oppressed nations.
The Lebanese parliament elected former army commander Michel Aoun as president earlier on Monday.
Aoun, who is in his 80s, secured the presidency by winning the support of 83 MPs, well above the absolute majority of 65 needed to win, according to a tally of votes read out in a televised broadcast from parliament.
The Lebanese presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian in the country's sectarian power-sharing system.