BEIRUT, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese President Michel Aoun called on Monday more support to secure the safe return for the 1.6 million Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon.

"The number of Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon is no less than 1.6 million even after the return of 318,000 to their homeland," the Lebanon Presidency's website reported.

"The region, especially Lebanon, is going through very tough circumstances due to the presence of a big number of Syrian and Palestinian refugees and their impact on the economic wellbeing in the country," Aoun said.

"Lebanon is ready to support any initiative that would ensure stability in the region and ease the burden of Syrian refugees on countries in the area," he added.

Aoun's remarks came during his meeting at Baabda Palace with General John Lorimer, British senior defence adviser to the Middle East, who came in an official visit to hold discussion about issues of emergency to the region.

For his part, Lorimer said that his visit to Lebanon is part of his tour in the region to follow up on the latest developments and provide support in solving issues in the Mideast.

"Also, Britain will continue in supporting Lebanon's armed forces by providing them with training and control towers in addition to following up on its economic situation," he said.