Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Lebanon’s sovereignty and economic recovery, with a focus on expanding cooperation in energy and infrastructure projects. During a meeting between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional tensions.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar’s intention to support Lebanon across various sectors, including energy, education, healthcare, and economic development. A significant outcome of the talks was the advancement of cooperation in the energy sector, highlighted by QatarEnergy’s agreement with France’s TotalEnergies to develop a solar power plant in Lebanon. This project represents a step towards broader energy collaboration between the two countries.
In addition to energy initiatives, Lebanon is progressing towards a project to update its electricity generation infrastructure through a build-operate-transfer model. The Lebanese government hopes this approach will facilitate the project’s completion without requiring upfront investment from its treasury.
Qatar also voiced concerns over escalating hostilities in Lebanon, condemning Israeli attacks on peacekeeping forces and breaches of Lebanese territory. Sheikh Mohammed called for adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, advocating for the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied areas in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed appreciation for Qatar’s ongoing political, economic, and humanitarian aid, underscoring its contributions to Lebanon’s reconstruction and support for state institutions. He noted that enhanced cooperation in energy, electricity, and investment would bolster the economy, aid reconstruction efforts, and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their communities.
Qatar reiterated its commitment to collaborating with international partners to enhance Lebanon’s stability and security, supporting its long-term recovery initiatives. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of strengthening bilateral ties and fostering regional peace and development.