Lebanon and the UAE... A Promising Path That “Invests” in the “Day After”
From the “hot tin roof” in the south, and with challenges facing the diplomatic track between Lebanon and Israel—which has yet to set a date for its anticipated eighth round in Rome next month—Beirut continued to be under the very positive influence of the visit by the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Ziyoudi, who led a delegation of businessmen. This move was seen as the opening of a promising path for the return of the Gulf Arab states to the “Land of the Cedars,” and as part of preparing the “infrastructure” for the flow of investments in the “day after” the war.
President Joseph Aoun affirmed to Al Ziyoudi and the accompanying delegation the “depth of the historical and fraternal relations between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates,” extending his thanks “to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who has never hesitated to respond to any request. This is clear evidence of his love for Lebanon, and of the UAE people’s love for the Lebanese people.”
He considered that the “delegation’s visit to Beirut carries a message of hope and confidence in Lebanon’s stability and future, and opens new horizons for cooperation and investment,” emphasizing that “security and investment are interconnected, but as long as there is will and sincere intent, challenges will not stand in our way. And Lebanon needs, at this stage, the support of its brothers in the Gulf.”
Al Ziyoudi had spoken, pointing to the importance of the meetings and encounters the delegation held with Lebanese businessmen and investors, “as they allowed for the exploration of opportunities available in Lebanon,” and noting the significant growth achieved in trade relations between Lebanon and the UAE in recent years.
He revealed that figures for last year were among the highest in the past 15 years, reaching $4.2 billion in non-oil trade, in addition to the implementation of numerous investments in Lebanon.
He clarified that “the presence of UAE businessmen in Beirut will play an important role in achieving logistical connectivity between Lebanon and the UAE, as well as many other countries and global companies, particularly in the technological framework.” He also pointed to the positive impact of the decision to lift the travel ban on UAE citizens to Lebanon, and the importance of beginning work on establishing a comprehensive economic charter to serve as an umbrella for bilateral economic relations and the exchange of governmental expertise.
Al Ziyoudi signed a memorandum of understanding with Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Al-Bassat, aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade exchange and investment, and developing economic partnership, in a manner that serves common interests and strengthens bilateral relations.
The UAE minister described the visit to Lebanon as “successful, allowing for the exploration of new sectors and opportunities for trade and investment cooperation, paving the way for establishing clear work tracks between government entities and opening broader horizons for the private sector and business councils, particularly in supporting vital sectors, including energy, technology, and logistics.”
