Australia envoy says to support Lebanon for hosting refugees

BEIRUT, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Australian Ambassador to Lebanon Rebecca Grindley said Tuesday that Australia will continue to support Lebanon in its hosting of Syrian refugees, the National News Agency reported.

"We hope to find a final solution to this issue very soon," Grindley was quoted as saying during her meeting with Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi.

Grindley said that Australia appreciates Lebanon's great efforts of hosting a big number of Syrian refugees, adding that Australia has also contributed 438 U.S. million dollars to support Syrian refugees since the start of the crisis in Syria.

The Australian ambassador praised the great relations between Lebanon and Australia, saying that the presence of 400,000 Lebanese citizens in Australia contributed to the growth and development of her country.

"There are numerous mutual visits and trips for Lebanese and Australian expatriates during holidays and in the summer," she added.