IRNA� Newly elected Lebanese President Michel Aoun here on late Monday emphasized the need for all countries to join counter-terrorism efforts.


Aoun made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif.

He added Lebanon has entered in a new battle for combating terrorist groups over violation of its territorial integrity.

Commenting on the current situation in Syria, he added the crisis should be settled through political means.

Aoun underscored that political settlement in Syria would lead to return of peace to the region and solve the Syrian refugees problems living in Lebanon.

He also urged Zarif to convey his greetings to Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and his counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

Appreciating President Rouhani over his congratulatory message on his election as new Lebanese president, he called for expansion of all-out mutual cooperation, economic and political ties in particular.

Zarif in a meeting with Aoun on Monday evening discussed issues of mutual interest.

The meeting took place in Baabda Palace in Beirut.

Immediately after his arrival in Beirut, Zarif went to Baabda Palace to meet President Aoun.

This is the first meeting of President Aoun after taking office in Lebanon.

General Michel Aoun was elected one week ago on absolute majority of votes cast in his favor by the Lebanese representatives. He is now the 13th president of Lebanon.