BEIRUT: Newly appointed U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly said Wednesday that despite the hard times, the U.N. remains dedicated to boosting Lebanon’s security.

“These are difficult times. But the United Nations remains deeply committed to promoting the security and stability of Lebanon and to further consolidating what has been achieved since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1701,” Plumbly said in a statement.

His remarks came following talks with Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour.

He said issues relating to Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon’s mission in Lebanon, as well as the situation in the region, were also discussed.

Earlier Wednesday, Plumbly met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati. He is scheduled to hold talks with President Michel Sleiman and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri as part of courtesy visits to Lebanese officials.

“In my meetings so far today, I have also briefly discussed the longstanding cooperation between Lebanon and the United Nations in so many different fields,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the Lebanese authorities to further deepen our efforts for the welfare and development of Lebanon and its people.

Plumbly, who arrived in Beirut Saturday to take up his post, said he looks forward to meeting the “broadest possible range of Lebanese interlocutors.”