U.S. secretary of state heads to Turkey after short visit to Lebanon

BEIRUT – 15 February 2018: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson left here Thursday heading to Turkey after a several-hour visit to Lebanon, during which he met with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad al Hariri and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Tillerson's talks in Beirut focused on developments in the region in addition to several issues related to Lebanon and its latest tension with Israel.

The U.S. is working with the Lebanese and Israeli governments to maintain calm in Lebanon's south, the U.S. minister said during the visit.

Tillerson also stressed Washington's support for the Lebanese people and legitimate institutions.