BEIRUT: Canada's foreign minister emphasized Monday his country's unwavering support for Lebanon, as his Lebanese counterpart announced that the two countries were seeking to launch direct flights. Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion said during a joint news conference with caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil that “Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was keen to support Lebanon.”

“Lebanon is a priority and we will do everything in our capability to help the country to cope with the large influx of refugees.” He noted that his country already has several projects to assist Lebanon, including its support to the Lebanese Armed Forces, women and reforms to improve prison conditions. Dion also called for the swift formation of a new Cabinet.

Bassil urged Canada to increase its support to Lebanon, reiterating his call for the return of Syrian refugees to safe zones in their war-torn country. “We believe that the safe return of Syrians is the only solution for this crisis and we look forward to Canada’s help in this regard.”

He also called for direct aid to the Lebanese government to help it cope with the crisis, adding that Lebanon’s economy had deteriorated due to the refugee influx. “We need a radical solution to the problem.”

The caretaker FM described ties between Lebanon and Canada as “excellent,” calling for stronger trade relations. He disclosed that a Canadian delegation began preparing a study on opening a direct air link between the two countries.

Lebanon’s economy and infrastructure has been heavily impacted by the onset of the Syrian conflict and resulting influx of refugees.

There are currently 1.1 million Syrian refugees registered with the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR in the country. However, the Lebanese government estimates the figure to be around 1.5 million.

Dion headed earlier in the day to Baabda Palace to congratulate President Michel Aoun on his recent election as Lebanon's 13th head of state.

During their meeting, Aoun and Dion discussed the refugee crisis and means to aid Lebanon.

The Lebanese president emphasized the need to find a political solution to the crisis in Syria, which would have a positive impact on the refugee crisis.

The two also touched on improving bilateral ties.

Dion, who is on a four-day visit to Lebanon, later headed to caretaker Prime Minister Tammam Salam's residence in Beirut's Moseitbeh area, where the two officials discussed recent developments in Lebanon and the region.

The FM also met with Speaker Nabih Berri.

He arrived in Beirut Friday to meet with top officials, tour Army posts on the Syrian border, and visit refugees in tented settlements who receive assistance from Canada.

He also met with Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri over the weekend.

Dion told The Daily Star Sunday that his country was seeking to build strong ties with the new Lebanese administration, despite Hezbollah’s involvement.

“We are back in Lebanon,” he said, addressing the shift in policy under Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The Canadian FM's visit comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Lebanon following Aoun's election.