The official visit of President Michel Naim Aoun to Russia took place between 25-26 March. Michel Naim Aoun and Vladimir Putin discussed ways to accelerate the repatriation of about one million Syrian refugees currently in Lebanon. Both stressed the need to “resolve [the Syrian] dispute through political and diplomatic means,” which they said would depend on “creating favorable conditions in Syria, including social and economic conditions, through post-conflict reconstruction.” They also condemned US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over parts of the Golan Heights. They also expressed hope that a “just and lasting solution to the Palestinian problem will be found and emphasize the need to realize national rights of the Palestinian people.” Furthermore, they stated their intention to cooperate for ensuring non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery by coordinating efforts and facilitating the establishment of a WMD-free zone in the Middle East. Lebanese FM Gebran Bassil, also present during the visit, held meetings last Friday with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Beirut, who slammed Hezbollah- a Lebanese ally- as well as Iran’s clout over the region.