Qatar’s Prime Minister announced on Tuesday that his country would continue supporting Lebanese institutions and collaborating on joint projects following the formation of a new Lebanese government.
Qatar has been assisting the Lebanese army with fuel grants and salary support. Lebanon urgently needs foreign aid to cover the massive reconstruction costs from last year’s war between Israel and Hezbollah, which saw Israeli airstrikes devastate large areas.
During a press conference in Beirut after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Lebanese army.
“We look forward to the formation of the government, after which we will explore a strategic partnership based on mutual interests,” Al Thani stated.
He also noted positive developments since the start of the year, including Lebanon filling its presidential vacancy and changes in Syria.
In addition to President Aoun, Al Thani met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Prime Minister-elect Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Salam, a former head of the International Court of Justice, was nominated on January 13 to form Lebanon’s new cabinet.
The United States has urged Lebanese officials, including Salam, to prevent Hezbollah or its ally Amal—led by Berri—from selecting Lebanon’s next finance minister.
Hezbollah engaged in cross-border clashes with Israel after Hamas attacked southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, triggering the Gaza war.
Israel stated its offensive against Hezbollah aimed to ensure the safe return of tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by Hezbollah rocket fire. A ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel was reached in November.
