Iran has signed 16 agreements and an MOU with Lebanon, during President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's official visit to Beirut. Under the terms of the MOU Iran and Lebanon will develop bilateral relations and co-operation in agriculture, energy, oil and gas, trade and handicrafts, tourism, higher education, health, environment, media, communications and information technology.
Contrary to speculations, the agreements did not include military aid to Lebanon. Earlier in August, Iran said that it would supply Lebanon with military equipment following US decision to cease aid to Lebanese Armed Forces over fears of Hezbollah's influence on the army.
Ahmadinejad, who is in Beirut for a two-day trip, presented Lebanon an Iranian-made technical device called "Nanoscope" designed to develop scientific and technical programs. The next stage of Ahmadinejad's trip is expected to entail a visit to the Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.
"We support a strong and unified Lebanon. We will always back the Lebanese government and its nation," said Ahmadinejad standing beside Lebanon's President Michel Suleiman.
Source: Xinhua
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