From January 6 to 8, 2017, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming visited Lebanon, during which he respectively met with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Speaker Nabih Berri and General Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Wafiq Mohammed Rhayme of Lebanon, exchanging in-depth views on bilateral relations and topics of common interests with the Lebanese side.

Zhang Ming expressed that China and Lebanon enjoy long-term friendship. China congratulates the Lebanese side on electing a new President and forming a new term of administration, supports Lebanon's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting social stability, promoting national reconciliation and developing economy. The Chinese side welcomes Lebanon to participate in the "Belt and Road" construction, and is willing to work with the country to continuously maintain high-level exchanges and expand practical cooperation in various fields, so as to constantly push forward bilateral relations.

The Lebanese side noted that the two countries enjoy profound friendship. Lebanon is satisfied with the development of bilateral relations at present, and thanks China for offering assistance and support to Lebanon for a long time. Attaching high importance to developing relations with China, Lebanon is willing to actively participate in the "Belt and Road" construction and facilitate bilateral cooperation in various fields including politics, economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as tourism. It is hoped that the Chinese side could continue to play a role in advancing the proper settlement of the Syrian issue.

During the visit, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming also gave interviews to National News Agency and other local mainstream media.