German leader marks first visit to Lebanon in 120 years

By Muhammed Ali Akman

BEIRUT (AA) – Germany’s president arrived in Lebanon for an official visit Tuesday, marking the first top-level visit from Germany to the country in 120 years.

Meeting the leaders of various religious groups at Lebanon’s Dar al-Fatwa Directory, Frank-Walter Steinmeier confirmed the role of different faith groups to maintain stability in the region and bring communities closer to live in peace.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri thanked Germany for its aid, adding that Lebanon will not tolerate anything that harms the country’s stability and unity.

Afterwards, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri received Steinmeier with an official ceremony, followed by a closed-door meeting to discuss bilateral relations and further cooperation.

Lebanon has seen a huge influx of refugees from the war in Syria, despite the small Middle Eastern state only having a 4.5-million-strong population of its own.