Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle today (18 November) sent the following congratulatory letter to his new Lebanese opposite number Ali Hussein Shami on the occasion of his nomination:

“Please accept my greetings and best wishes on your appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Lebanese Republic. I wish the entire Government under Prime Minister Hariri success and stamina for the challenges it will face. Together with its European partners, Germany will further support your country in its efforts to maintain stability and self-determination.

At the same time let me warmly congratulate your country on its election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2010/2011 period. This success represents both great recognition and great responsibility for Lebanon. I am convinced that your Government will make a major contribution to the Council’s work.

Should Germany be elected to the Council in October 2010, also thanks to Lebanon’s support, I am confident that our two countries will continue their tried and trusted close cooperation in this important UN forum.”

Read more on Germany's bilateral relations to Lebanon: