Izvestia: "Russian business welcomed in Lebanon"
The two countries intend to concentrate on major development projects
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri recently arrived in Russia in the hope to step up bilateral economic cooperation, while his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin agreed that present situation allows for a multitude of opportunities. He urged Mr Hariri to support Russian companies willing to take part in major tenders in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the two-day visit of a Lebanese delegation is taking place against the backdrop of further political unrest at home. Despite threats from the Lebanese Shiite party Hezbollah, Mr Hariri does not intend to stop the investigation into the assassination of his father – former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The conflict has also contributed to Mr Hariri's interest in Russian backing, primarily in the fields of arms deliveries and energy. For the time being, however, the development of bilateral relations leaves much to be desired.
"Our trade decreased by a substantial 25% during the past year. In the first nine months of this year, it increased by one third. By and large, there is every reason to believe that we will soon match the pre-crisis level. But it is still very insignificant in net terms," Mr Putin said.
He added, however, that "we have good opportunities for expanding our trade and economic partnership, primarily by implementing major joint projects." This applies to energy, transportation, communications, and military-technical cooperation.
"We will request your support for the applications of our companies to take part in tenders in Lebanon," Mr Putin said.
Mr Hariri replied that security and military-technical cooperation is a major priority of bilateral relations. The two nations had earlier reached an agreement on the supply of Russian Mi-24 helicopter gunships; Beirut has also shown interest in the modernization of Soviet T-55 tanks and the supply of grenade launchers, anti-tank weapons, and air defence systems. However, the Lebanese prime minister also welcomes Russian investment in transportation, energy, and the construction of dams and railways.
Some circles in Beirut favour Moscow's participation in the recently approved plan for upgrading the Lebanese energy system by 2014. The project is worth $4 billion. Moreover, Russia could take part in the lucrative development of oil and gas deposits in the south of the country.
Anastasia Savinykh and Alexei Koshelev
