Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib addressed the ninth ministerial meeting of the Union for the Mediterranean in Barcelona, expressing gratitude to Spain for hosting the event and supporting Lebanon.
"Thank you to Spain for hosting this conference and for your continued support of Lebanon, along with your commitment to a sustainable peace founded on justice," Bou Habib said, adding his appreciation to the European Commission for organizing the meeting.
Highlighting Lebanon’s interwoven fate with the Mediterranean, Bou Habib described Lebanon's dire situation.
"My country is suffering the devastation of a brutal war that threatens its very existence. With 1.4 million Lebanese displaced and facing acute hardships, the situation threatens to escalate into internal conflict," Bou Habib warned.
The Foreign Minister then outlined Lebanon’s urgent needs, requesting international support for a ceasefire, the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, and bolstered defensive capabilities to deploy Lebanese forces along the southern borders.
"Stability requires a strong Lebanese Armed Forces, capable of turning Lebanon's weakness into strength,” Bou Habib added, also urging aid for displaced Lebanese, the safe return of refugees, and international reconstruction assistance.
Meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Bou Habib reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to UNIFIL, condemning any attacks on peacekeepers, and warning that ongoing violence risks severe social upheaval and mass migration.
In a joint statement with Spain, Lebanon condemned violence targeting civilians, journalists, medics, and peacekeepers.
Bou Habib’s talks included Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, thanking Slovenia for pledging €1 million at the recent Paris support conference for Lebanon.
Concluding his European diplomatic tour, Bou Habib will resume his efforts in Beirut next Wednesday.
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