Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced support for Lebanon post-government formation, reaffirming aid to the Lebanese army. Discussions included renewing oil and gas exploration partnerships with TotalEnergies. This comes amid Lebanon’s need for foreign funds for post-war reconstruction while managing regional tensions following the recent conflict involving Iran-supported Hezbollah and Israel.
On Tuesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that Qatar will extend support to Lebanese institutions following the establishment of a new Lebanese government. Qatar’s assistance has included providing grants for fuel and salaries to the Lebanese army. This support comes as Lebanon seeks foreign investment to address the extensive reconstruction costs stemming from last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which resulted in widespread destruction across the nation.
During a press conference in Beirut, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted Qatar’s ongoing commitment to the Lebanese military. He expressed optimism regarding the potential formation of a strategic partnership based on mutual interests once the new government is in place. He remarked that positive developments throughout the year, including filling the Lebanese presidential vacancy and changes occurring in Syria, illustrate a hopeful trend for Lebanon’s political landscape.
In discussions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of resuming oil and gas exploration off the Lebanese coast, indicating that he hopes TotalEnergies will renew its activities in this sector. QatarEnergy recently partnered with TotalEnergies of France and Eni of Italy in a consortium aimed at exploring two maritime blocks for oil and gas resources.
Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed held meetings with Lebanese leaders, including caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Prime Minister-elect Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Salam, a former president of the International Court of Justice, was appointed on January 13 to form Lebanon’s new cabinet amid ongoing international scrutiny over the influence of Hezbollah and its allies in governmental decisions.
Tensions escalated following the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting Hezbollah to exchange fire with Israeli forces. Israel’s military actions aimed to protect citizens displaced by Hezbollah’s rocket strikes. A ceasefire between the two parties was achieved in November.
This article discusses Qatar’s pledge to support Lebanon following the expected establishment of a new government, focusing on military and economic assistance amidst the country’s need for reconstruction funds after conflict-related destruction. Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks reflect the growing interest in solidifying strategic partnerships and foreign investments to stabilize Lebanon’s economy and security amidst regional tensions and international pressures.
In conclusion, Qatar’s commitment to assisting Lebanon highlights the potential for fostering stronger bilateral relations in the wake of the formation of a new government. The cooperation between Qatari leaders and Lebanese officials aims to address the significant economic challenges faced by Lebanon while establishing a sustainable framework for mutual interests. As regional dynamics evolve, Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts and stability remain critical.
Original Source: english.aawsat.com
