Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, expressed his country’s satisfaction with the election of Joseph Aoun as President of Lebanon, noting the strong friendship between Qatar and Aoun dating back to his tenure as Army Commander.
The Qatari diplomat also welcomed the designation of Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister, hoping for the swift formation of a new government to address pressing challenges and ensure stability, which is vital for attracting international aid to rebuild Lebanon.
Ambassador Al Thani’s remarks came during his meeting with the head of Lebanon’s Press Editors’ Syndicate, Joseph Al-Kossaifi, at the Qatari Embassy. Discussions covered Lebanon's post-election landscape and the efforts of the Quintet Committee, which played a role in ending the presidential vacuum.
“The goal of the Quintet Committee was to assist in electing a president and naming a prime minister, and this has been achieved, thankfully. The committee members held a follow-up meeting yesterday, hosted by the Egyptian ambassador, to discuss the situation in Lebanon and expressed optimism about anticipated international and Arab support,” the ambassador stated.
Al Thani then highlighted the Gulf's renewed interest in Lebanon, referencing recent visits by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, calling these visits "promising positive developments."
Ambassador Al Thani further praised President Joseph Aoun’s inaugural speech as “clear and significant”, expressing hope for Lebanon's recovery and strengthened international and regional ties. He also anticipated Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of the international committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of the agreement, supported by U.S. and French efforts.
Al Thani further reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering support for Lebanon, rooted in historical ties, citing Qatar's commitment to reconstructing Karantina Hospital in full coordination with the Ministry of Health. “The foundation stone was laid four months ago, and the hospital is expected to be completed by 2027 as a state-of-the-art medical facility. Additionally, Qatar plans to continue supporting the Lebanese Army through 2025,” Al Thani said, expressing optimism about future Qatari investments in Lebanon, noting that Gulf nationals, including Qataris, are expected to return to Lebanon for the summer season, reminiscent of pre-war times.
The Qatari Ambassador finally emphasized the urgency of forming a government, expressing confidence in Lebanon’s brighter future.
For his part, Joseph Al-Kossaifi thanked the ambassador for his warm reception and commended Qatar’s efforts within the Quintet Committee to resolve Lebanon's presidential impasse.
Al-Kossaifi also praised Qatar’s ongoing support for the Lebanese Army and healthcare sector and extended an invitation for the ambassador to visit the Press Editors’ Syndicate.
TWEET YOUR COMMENT