Lebanon and Kuwait have stressed the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation, especially in security, according to a statement on Monday by Lebanon’s presidency.

There was a meeting between visiting Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Mr Fahd said that the two sides “discussed key security concerns, and that stability and security are priorities for all nations.’’

Mr Fahd called for the reactivation of the Lebanese-Kuwaiti Higher Joint Committee.

“Kuwait and Lebanon need each other. We are two of the closest nations in the region,’’ said the Kuwaiti minister.

He said Kuwait will continue to stand by Lebanon during its challenges.

For his part, Mr Aoun welcomed Kuwait’s continued support, affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, and highlighted the importance of joint security efforts, particularly in countering drug trafficking and cross-border crimes.

He expressed hope for an increased Kuwaiti presence in Lebanon during the summer tourism season.

In a separate development, Lebanon’s central bank said in a statement on Monday that it entered into a cooperation agreement with U.S.-based company K2 Integrity “to combat the expansion of the cash economy and address all forms of illicit and fraudulent activities’’ in Lebanon.

(Xinhua/NAN)