Salameh reaffirms commitment to keeping weapons in the hands of the state and calls for the continued international presence in southern Lebanon

Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam affirmed the government’s commitment to “asserting state authority, monopolizing weapons under state control, and continuing reforms,” emphasizing the importance of “sustained U.S. support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and strengthening its capabilities, as well as rallying support for Lebanon on the path to recovery and reconstruction.” He also highlighted the “need to avoid any vacuum that may arise with the end of the UNIFIL mandate” and “Lebanon’s need for continued international presence in the south.”

During a meeting at the Lebanese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, President Salam welcomed U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a prominent member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and commended her supportive stance toward Lebanon, particularly her continued backing of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

For her part, Senator Shaheen stressed the importance of Lebanon “continuing on the path of placing weapons under state control.” She also underscored the necessity of “the Lebanese Parliament enacting the Financial Gap Law and advancing the required reforms to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).”

Salam also met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, in the presence of Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Youssef Raji and Qatari State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khalifi.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest regional developments and stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to de-escalate tensions, maintain the security and stability of the Gulf states and the region, and prevent further confrontations. They also examined bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them.

President Salam thanked Qatar for its steadfast support of Lebanon.

The discussions also covered ways to enhance support and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the energy and electricity sectors, given their importance in alleviating the economic hardships faced by Lebanese citizens, as well as supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and strengthening its capabilities.

The talks further addressed ways to boost economic and investment cooperation between the two countries and support Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction process.