Prime Ministers of Lebanon and Qatar Discuss Ways to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation

Beirut, October 16 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met today, Friday, with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, particularly in the areas of gas and electricity.

The Lebanese Council of Ministers said in a statement that the two sides discussed ways to ensure gas supplies and develop Lebanon’s electricity production infrastructure, and to prepare for an agreement between the governments of the two countries that would launch a number of projects aimed at comprehensively addressing Lebanon’s energy crisis.

According to the statement, the two sides reaffirmed their confidence in the strength and durability of Lebanese-Qatari relations. Salam expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its support of Lebanon, including its assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and to various health and social projects. The two leaders also exchanged views on ways to halt the war in the region and in Lebanon, amid Salam’s efforts to achieve the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation and to extend state authority over all Lebanese territories.

He noted that a broad meeting was subsequently held, attended by members of both delegations. The Lebanese delegation included Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mitri, Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame, Minister of Energy and Water Joe Sfeir, Minister of State for Administrative Development Fadi Makki, Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Judge Mahmoud Makki, and Chairman of the Development and Reconstruction Council Muhammad Ali Qabbani, along with several advisors.

The Qatari delegation included State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed Al Khalifa, Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office for Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Sulaiti, and several advisors.

Earlier today, the Qatari Prime Minister met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who appreciated Qatar’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty, liberating its entire territory from Israeli occupation, facilitating the return of displaced persons to their villages and towns, and its readiness to assist in Lebanon’s recovery and its various sectors, as well as to contribute to reconstruction efforts.

Berri emphasized the alignment of positions with the Qatari Prime Minister on the importance of strengthening national unity and supporting institutions, particularly security ones, foremost among which is the Lebanese Armed Forces, as the guarantor and protector of these principles.

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