Agriculture Minister Elias Skaff said there would be no stability in Lebanon without establishing diplomatic ties with Syria.

"Remarks we have heard in France regarding these relations are a major step to improve such relations with the neighbors, I mean Syria," Skaff told the daily al-Balad.

"Without these relations there would be no security, economic or political stability" in Lebanon, he added.

Skaff explained that "our markets are beyond Syria, in Iraq and the Gulf."

"How can we promote our agricultural and industrial products?" he asked.

The new cabinet, according to Skaff, should tackle "security, economic, political and social challenges" faced by the people.