BEIRUT, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Swiss President Alain Berset said on Monday that his country supports Lebanon in securing a safe return for Syrian refugees to their homeland.
"We hope to be able to support you in this regard because this issue is not local or regional only but an international cause," Berset said during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Aoun.
The Swiss president also emphasized the need to find a political solution and secure suitable circumstances for the return of refugees to Syria.
The Syrian refugee crisis has become a hot topic in Lebanon lately.
According to the NGO Human Rights Watch, More than 1 million Syrian refugees have registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon, while the government estimates the true number of Syrians in the country at 1.5 million.
Political parties in Lebanon have, on many occasions, voiced their concerns about the large number of refugees in the country, saying their prolonged stay represents an economic and social burden.
Berset said he appreciates Lebanon's generous hosting of Syrian refugees, which is posing great challenges to the country.
Meanwhile, Aoun reiterated Lebanon's strong commitment to securing a safe return for Syrian refugees, while praising a Russian strategy drafted to guarantee the return of 890,000 Syrians from Lebanon to their homeland.
Also on Monday, Lebanon and Switzerland signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomats from both countries, while agreeing to bolster economic ties and increase mutual investments.
Berset is set to meet Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri.
