Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, emphasized Qatar's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and national institutions during his meetings with Lebanese leaders in Beirut. These meetings took place on Friday following Sheikh Mohammed's arrival in Beirut and included discussions with senior political and security officials in Lebanon.
Talks with Lebanese Officials
Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Nawaf Salam, Prime Minister of Lebanon, at Rafic Hariri International Airport on Thursday. He then met with President Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam at Baabda Palace on Friday, followed by meetings with other senior Lebanese officials, including Army Commander General Rudolf Haikal and Director General of General Security, Major General Hassan Chaqir. The aim of these meetings was to strengthen bilateral relations and support Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions.
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Energy Plans and Support for Lebanon
During this meeting, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of cooperation in the energy sector and stated that Qatar is seeking to provide comprehensive solutions in this area to serve Lebanon's interests. He announced that Qatar Energy intends to establish a large solar power plant in Lebanon, a country that has faced severe energy crises in recent years.
Nawaf Salam stated in a press conference with Sheikh Mohammed that this project will help integrate various energy production resources and the necessary infrastructure to support them, aiming to provide electricity more quickly, reliably, and at a lower cost.
Call for Withdrawal of Israeli Forces
Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized Qatar's support for the actions of the Lebanese government and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories, stating that these forces should be handed over to the Lebanese army. He added, "Qatar supports all actions that Lebanon is taking and will support the Lebanese government's process, including the withdrawal of the occupying Israeli army from the occupied territories and their handover to the Lebanese army."
Despite an initial agreement signed in June between Lebanon and Israel aimed at ensuring the gradual withdrawal of Israel from Lebanon, Israel continues to occupy large areas of southern Lebanon and systematically destroy homes and infrastructure in several villages.
Qatar's Support for Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed gratitude during his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed for Qatar's support and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, praising Doha's efforts to promote regional stability through dialogue and de-escalation. Aoun also called for continued cooperation from Qatar with Arab and friendly countries to pressure Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon and implement an agreement signed through U.S.-sponsored negotiations.
He condemned attacks on Gulf countries, including recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Lebanon's solidarity with Gulf countries and thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his visit to Lebanon and his message of support and hope to the people of this country.
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