Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held a series of diplomatic meetings and ministerial discussions at the Grand Serail, addressing key issues ranging from humanitarian aid and disaster management to agriculture and women’s rights in the context of the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Mikati first met with Serbia's Ambassador to Lebanon, Milan Trojanović, with whom he discussed the general situation and bilateral relations between the two countries.
The PM also held talks with Chile's Ambassador to Lebanon, Marcos Correa Letelier. Talks between the pair reportedly focused on strengthening the ties between Lebanon and Chile amid the region's current turmoil.
In a series of meetings with senior ministers, Mikati was briefed on pressing domestic issues, particularly those exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Caretaker Minister of Youth and Sports George Kallas, provided an update on the establishment of a shelter at the Beirut Sports City to house displaced people.
"I’ve informed the Prime Minister about the ongoing arrangements in coordination with the Disaster Management Authority and the Governor of Beirut to ensure the best possible services in these exceptional circumstances," Kallas said.
In turn, Minister of Agriculture, Abbas Hajj Hassan, discussed with Mikati the impact of the war on Lebanon's agricultural sector, emphasizing the risk to food security.
"We are deeply concerned about the potential collapse of food security, especially if the Israeli aggression continues," Hajj Hassan stated. "The losses in agricultural land are substantial, and many Lebanese farmers, particularly in the southern plains, the Bekaa, and Akkar, have been displaced."
Hajj Hassan also mentioned efforts to expand agricultural areas in safer regions such as Akkar and the coastal strip to ensure the continuity of agricultural production.
"We are facing an enemy that shows no regard for international law, and we must prepare for all eventualities," he added.
Caretaker Minister of Labor Mustafa Bayram, reported on Lebanon’s stance in international forums, particularly regarding the complaint filed with the International Labour Organization (ILO) over the ongoing Israeli violations.
"We met with over 25 ambassadors in Geneva to present Lebanon's position," Bayram said, noting that the government repeatedly emphasizes UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a ceasefire and an end to hostilities.
Caretaker Minister of Administrative Development Najla Riachi discussed with the PM the government's efforts to automate attendance systems in public administration, aiming to improve government efficiency during the crisis.
Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil updated Mikati on the state of public finances, particularly revenue generation and expenditure control amid Lebanon's deepening financial crisis.
Governor of Beirut Marwan Abboud also met with Mikati to discuss the establishment of new shelters for displaced people, following the evacuation of schools being used as temporary shelters.
Mikati also received a delegation from the National Moderation Bloc, who raised concerns over the ongoing displacement in the Akkar region, emphasizing the need for increased development aid and support for municipalities struggling with limited resources.
Akkar's Union of Municipalities also expressed concerns over the region's infrastructure needs, particularly regarding waste management and the challenges posed by the sudden influx of displaced persons.
Union leader Ahmad al-Mir noted, "The Israeli aggression has not spared any region, and the recent attack on Ain Yacoub is a testament to that."
Mikati separately welcomed Claudeine Aoun, head of the National Commission for Lebanese Women's Affairs, who stressed the importance of integrating gender perspectives into Lebanon’s national response plan. Aoun emphasized the Commission’s commitment to advancing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war.
"The National Commission remains committed to developing a second national action plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325, involving all sectors of society," Aoun stated. She highlighted priorities such as enhancing women’s leadership roles, strengthening legal protections against gender-based violence, and ensuring women’s needs are met in emergency and relief efforts.
Aoun also pointed out the ongoing consultations with government officials and local stakeholders across the country to ensure the integration of local concerns into the national action plan. "We are working to ensure that the voices of women are heard and included in all decision-making processes," she concluded.
Prime Minister Mikati also met with head of the Court of Audit, Mohammad Badran, with whom he discussed financial oversight and accountability measures in light of Lebanon's ongoing crisis.
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