BEIRUT: Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri Thursday held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which they discussed Lebanons crisis and regional issues.

Hariris telephone conversation with Putin came during his working visit to Moscow, where he arrived Wednesday evening.

According to a statement from Hariris media office, the conversation lasted for 50 minutes and was described as excellent by members from his delegation to Russia.

Hariri briefed Putin on the internal situation of Lebanon, measures to overcome the economic crisis and preparations on the government formation front, according to a statement from the Kremlin.

The two leaders discussed opportunities for cooperation between Lebanon and Russia, stressing that economic relations between their countries should be strengthened, and agreed that the two sides should continue to discuss facilitation for Russian and Lebanese companies to invest in each other's countries.

Hariri and Putin also agreed communication on coronavirus-related issues should also be activated between their countries, especially for providing Lebanon with the Russian Sputnik V vaccine.

Apart from the Lebanese crisis and bilateral relations, the leaders also touched on urgent regional issues and their willingness to cooperate to create the appropriate conditions for the repatriation of Syrian refugees currently living in Lebanon.

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