LOC00:59
21:59 GMT
WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday reiterated unremitting US support for Lebanon and its state institutions.
Speaking to reporters alongside visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Pompeo vowed that the US would continue to support the "credible state institutions inside Lebanon. They are essential to preserving Lebanese security, stability and sovereignty".
"This is a region that is threatened by Iran, and a nation that is threatened by its proxy Hezbollah," he said.
Pompeo thanked Lebanon for hosting more than one million Syrian refugees, hoping that the country would make necessary reforms to unlock international economic help.
On his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri thanked Pompeo for his country's support to Lebanon, paricularly the armed forces and national security personnel.
He restated Lebanon's commitment to counterterrorism efforts, saying: "I reaffirmed our joint commitment to the fight against terrorism."
Hariri also voiced his support to the continuing negotiation process with Israel, led by the US, on the maritime border. (end)
rsr.mt