Lebanese PM: We Are Close to Reaching an Energy Development Project with Qatar's Participation

Beirut, October 16 (KUNA) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed on Friday that the country is close to reaching a project aimed at developing its energy infrastructure in partnership with Qatar. Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Baabda Presidential Palace in Beirut, Salam said, “Qatar will finance, implement, and operate the electricity project without the Lebanese treasury bearing any upfront investment costs,” adding that “this step is of great importance given the circumstances Lebanon is going through.”

He explained that the project is comprehensive, encompassing various energy production sources and the necessary infrastructure, and aims to provide more stable electricity at a lower cost, following a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Salam expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Qatar’s supportive stance toward Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability, as well as for its efforts to achieve the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from occupied Lebanese territories and to extend state authority over all Lebanese lands.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman reaffirmed Qatar’s “firm position in supporting the unity, sovereignty, security, and stability of the Lebanese Republic,” emphasizing “the continuation of Qatari efforts within the Five-Nation Committee to contribute to enhancing Lebanon’s security and stability, and to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in coordination with international partners.” He stressed the necessity of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by all parties, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from all positions it holds, and adherence to previously agreed-upon arrangements, noting coordination with the United States to rebuild the south to enable the return of displaced persons.

Regarding energy, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister announced “an agreement to establish a comprehensive cooperation framework and provide integrated solutions through a major investment project that will benefit the Lebanese economy and participating Qatari entities.” He also reiterated Qatar’s continued support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, “considering it a national institution that safeguards the country’s security and stability.”

It is worth noting that a bilateral meeting was held between Salam and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, followed by an expanded meeting between the two delegations. The talks addressed the provision of gas supplies and the development of electricity production infrastructure, as well as discussions on preparing an agreement between the two governments that would launch comprehensive efforts to address Lebanon’s energy crisis. (End) A.Y.B./M.A.A.