BEIRUT, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met Tuesday with visiting Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in Beirut on bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Middle East.

During the meeting, Vieira called for an end to Israeli violations of international resolutions, including attacks on southern Lebanon, according to a statement by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.

The Brazilian foreign minister also stressed that his country is seeking, with some other countries, to confirm Palestine's membership in the United Nations.

Vieira also briefed Mikati on the outcome of his Middle East tour of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian territories, which started on March 15.

Referring to bilateral relations, the Brazilian minister said the presence of the Brazilian battalion in Lebanon is evidence of the strong ties between Lebanon and Brazil. He praised the great social and economic role played by the Lebanese and Brazilians of Lebanese origin in Brazil.

Vieira also met with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib and Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss the developments in southern Lebanon and the region in light of Israel's military operations against Gaza-ruling Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

During his meeting with Bou Habib, Vieira voiced Brazil's support for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bou Habib, for his part, expressed his country's appreciation for Brazil's stance. He also emphasized the necessity of supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, stressing the agency is much needed until the establishment of a Palestinian State.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since Oct. 8, 2023, after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Israel in support of the Hamas attack on Israel the previous day, prompting Israel to respond by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. Enditem

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