Finland Times

Visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinistö and his Lebanese counterpart stressed Thursday the importance of resolving the Syrian conflict through dialogue away from foreign interference, while they agreed the necessity of sharing the burden of the Syrian refugees among various countries.

Niinistö said during a joint press conference with Suleiman at Baabda presidential palace that Finland is keen on supporting Lebanon to confront the crisis of the Syrian refugees, adding that "no state has ever confronted what Lebanon is facing."

He added "we are happy to have participated in the International Support Group for Lebanon meeting in Paris, and we want to offer as much aid as possible."

The group held a meeting on March 5 and 6 in the French capital and announced its commitment in helping Lebanon overcome the economic and financial difficulties caused by the high influx of Syrian refugees, and pledged to continue supporting the Lebanese army with all the weaponry it needs.

During the meeting, Finland made a 3 million U.S. dollars contribution to the Lebanese economy through a World Bank trust fund.

Suleiman expressed hope that a political solution be reached to solve the Syrian crisis away from any external military intervention.

He also called for facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their country "as soon as this option becomes possible," adding "it is important to distribute the numbers of Syrian refugees among various countries."

Suleiman said that he thanked President Niinistö  on Finland's support for Lebanon and its participation in UNIFIL.