BEIRUT: The Arab League is capable of facilitating the transformation of the Arab world, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton told Prime Minister Najib Mikati Wednesday.

“The Arab League currently has a greater opportunity to resolve Middle East issues and help the Arab world enter a new phase,” a statement from Mikati’s press office quoted Ashton as telling the prime minister during their meeting in London.

The statement said Mikati and Ashton discussed Lebanon, the Middle East and relations between Lebanon and the EU.

Talks also focused on stability in Lebanon given the unrest in neighboring Syria and other surrounding Arab countries, the statement added.

It said the two sides stressed the “need to maintain stability in Lebanon through the support of the international community and specifically Europe toward the Lebanese government's efforts at all levels.”

Wednesday is the last day of Mikati's trip to London, after he flew out there Thursday, on his first visit to the British capital since he formed his Cabinet in June.

He met Monday night with British Prime Minister David Cameron. The two discussed “international resolutions in general” according to Mikati. 

Cameron said the United Kingdom supported Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability and independence, but stressed the significance of full implementation of Resolution 1701 and Lebanon’s compliance with its commitments toward the STL.