Resulting from Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s official visit to Lebanon, the two countries agreed today to abolish visas between the two countries and to mutually recognize college diplomas.

Sargsyan and Lebanese President Michel Sleiman signed the two agreements at Baabda Palace upon the arrival of the former to Lebanon.

A In a joint news conference at Baabda Palace, Sargsyan said he held “productive talks” with Sleiman and discussed ways to widen the scope ties between Lebanon and Armenia.

“This year marks 20 years since we began bilateral relations,” Sargsyan said. “We have signed 30 agreements since then and we will add two more with this visit,” he added. Sargsyan also thanked Lebanon as a people and government for granting Armenians shelter and allowing them to incorporate into society.

The two leaders discussed regional problems as well. Regarding Syria, they agreed that the optimal way out for the 21-month-old crisis was a political solution based on dialogue without any military intervention.

Sargsyan will also meet Prime Minister Najib Mikati later today. Speaker Nabih Berri will hold a lunch in honor of the Armenian official in his Ain el-Tineh residence.

Photo: The Daily Star/DalatiNohra