DHAKA: US secretary of state John Kerry arrived in Beirut on Wednesday, beginning an unannounced visit that is the first by a US secretary of state to Lebanon in five years.

A journalist said, reports The Straits Times.

Kerry is in Beirut to announce US$290 million in aid to boost UN efforts in Syria and neighboring countries hosting refugees, a US diplomatic source said.

He will also urge Lebanon to fill the country’s presidential void ‘as soon as possible’.

Kerry’s visit comes more than three years into a conflict that is raging in neighbouring Syria, which has had major political, humanitarian and security consequences on tiny Lebanon.

According to the diplomatic source, Kerry would meet Lebanese prime minister Tammam Salam, parliament speaker Nabih Berri and Maronite Patriarch Beshara Rai.

BDST: 2002 HRS, JUNE 04, 2014