ABU DHABI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan received here on Tuesday Saad Hariri, Lebanon's outgoing prime minister, to discuss the "brotherly relations between the two countries," UAE state news agency WAM reported.
Sheikh Mohamed, also the deputy supreme commander of the UAE armed forces, discussed with Hariri also the current developments in Lebanon and the region.
The crown prince reaffirmed that the UAE stands by Lebanon "in all of the regional challenges" it currently faces, which impede the development of the nation and threaten the safety and security of its people.
Sheikh Mohamed wished Hariri all the success in his endeavors to ensure that Lebanon overcomes its current ordeals, as Hariri expressed his "happiness" for the meeting, and conveyed his appreciation to the UAE leadership, which has supported Lebanon in various circumstances to strengthen its unity and ensure its security.
Hariri announced his resignation on Saturday, claiming that it stemmed from a "rejection of Iran's political over-extension in the region."
He stressed that the "country would be able to overcome political influence exerted by internal and external forces."
Hariri blasted Iran's interference in the region, arguing that the "Islamic Republic has a desire to destroy the Arab world and has boasted of its control over the decisions of Arab capitals."
