Lebanese PM: Close to reaching a project to develop the energy sector with Qatar's participation

- Doha will finance, implement, and operate the project without imposing any upfront investment costs on the Lebanese treasury

- Qatari Prime Minister: We have agreed on a major investment project to support the Lebanese economy

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed on Friday that the two sides are close to reaching an agreement on a project aimed at developing the country’s energy infrastructure, with Qatar’s participation.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Baabda Presidential Palace in Beirut, Salam stated that “Qatar will finance, implement, and operate the electricity project without the Lebanese treasury bearing any upfront investment costs,” highlighting “the importance of this step given the circumstances Lebanon is currently facing.”

He explained that the project is comprehensive, covering various energy production sources and the necessary infrastructure, and aims to provide more stable electricity at a lower cost, following the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model.

Salam expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Qatar’s supportive stance regarding 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 its land.

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 supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in coordination with international partners.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman stressed the necessity for all parties to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from all occupied points, and adherence to agreed-upon arrangements. He also pointed to coordination with the United States to rebuild the south, enabling the return of displaced persons.

Regarding energy, the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister announced “an agreement to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation and to provide integrated solutions through a major investment project that will benefit the Lebanese economy and participating Qatari entities.”

He further 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 delegations of both countries. 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 resolve Lebanon’s energy crisis.