Within the framework of his official visit to Beirut Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Kostyantyn Gryshchenko held on October 18 talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Republic of Lebanon Ali al-Shami.

The two sides reviewed the vital issues of Ukrainian-Lebanese relations and spoke in favour of revitalization of political dialogue, first of all, at high and top levels, and agreed to cooperate in international organizations. The Ministers discussed the prospects of trade and economic cooperation and noted in this context the importance of holding in late November of the first joint session of the Intergovernmental Commission. They also exchanged views on the urgent regional issues, in particular regarding the future of theMiddle East peace process.

Kostyantyn Gryshchenko invited Ali al-Shami to visit Ukraine at a time convenient to him. The invitation was accepted with gratitude.