On 12 October 2023, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opened talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Razzhi in Moscow. Lavrov noted that the encounter was the second meeting between the two countries in the last month and marked the first visit of a Lebanese foreign minister to Moscow in five years. He framed the meeting as an opportunity to renew a steady rhythm of dialogue, saying he hoped the two sides would not allow prolonged pauses in their contacts.
During the same October 12, 2023 conversation, Lavrov expressed his hope that the two sides would not allow prolonged pauses in their diplomatic contacts. He said, "Надеюсь, мы больше не будем допускать таких продолжительных пауз в наших контактах," underscoring his desire for a continuous dynamic in their interactions.
Lavrov also reminded his Lebanese counterpart that Russia had previously sent humanitarian aid to those in need in April. He stated, "In April, we sent humanitarian aid to your side (Lebanese - ed.) for those in need and will continue to assist with the supply of humanitarian goods."
Lavrov highlighted that the October 12, 2023 meeting was the first visit of a Lebanese foreign minister to Moscow in the last five years.
The brief’s chronology entry for 2023-04-01 confirms that Russia sent humanitarian aid to Lebanon on that date.
Lavrov highlighted that the October 12, 2023 meeting was the first visit of a Lebanese foreign minister to Moscow in the last five years. This point appears both as a claim and as part of his opening remarks, emphasizing the infrequency of such diplomatic encounters and signalling a desire to revive a more regular exchange.
Beyond recalling the April aid, Lavrov pledged to continue assisting with the supply of humanitarian goods to Lebanon. He repeated this commitment in his remarks, saying Russia would maintain support for the delivery of relief items to those in need. The brief captures this pledge as claim number four: "We will continue to assist with the supply of humanitarian goods."
The brief’s chronology also lists an event on 2026-10-12: Lavrov meets Lebanese FM Razzhi in Moscow and pledges continued assistance to the Lebanese minister.