BEIRUT, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Marlene Kairouz, Australian Minister of Consumer Affairs of the State of Victoria arrived on Monday in Beirut to meet Lebanese officials to boost ties between Lebanon and Australia, the National News Agency reported.
"I came here to hold discussions aimed at boosting ties with Lebanon and encouraging Lebanese expatriates in Australia to visit their country," Kairouz was quoted as saying upon her arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Kairouz, who is of Lebanese origin, said her visit also aims at evaluating the situation in Lebanon and the country's infrastructure which was severely affected by the influx of refugees.
"Lebanon must pressure other countries to bear their share of the burden imposed by Syrian refugees and to find solutions to this problem," she said.
Kairouz will meet with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri and other officials to discuss bilateral relations.
