Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani reiterated his country’s support for Lebanon during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace in Baabda on Friday. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, regional stability, and Lebanon’s security and sovereignty amid ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon.
Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Qatar’s backing of the Lebanese state’s position concerning Israel’s military presence in Lebanese territory, emphasizing the necessity of Israeli withdrawal and the Lebanese army assuming full control over the occupied areas. He expressed Doha’s commitment to supporting all Lebanese measures aimed at ending Israeli occupation and enhancing the capabilities of Lebanon’s armed forces. The Qatari prime minister highlighted plans for increased cooperation in energy, investment, and infrastructure projects, including initiatives to help Lebanon address its electricity crisis.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously stated that Israeli forces would maintain operations in the southern “security zone,” linking withdrawal conditions to the disarmament of Hezbollah and the strengthening of the Lebanese army. This position remains a point of contention as Lebanon urges Israel to halt its military actions and implement a framework agreement negotiated under American auspices.
President Aoun praised Qatar’s ongoing efforts to promote stability across the region and acknowledged the support extended to Lebanon by Qatar’s leadership under Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. He called on Doha to continue collaborating with Arab and international partners to pressure Israel into ceasing its attacks in southern Lebanon. A Lebanese presidency statement noted Aoun’s condemnation of recent attacks against Gulf countries, including those targeting Saudi Arabia, and expressed solidarity with affected Gulf states.
The Lebanese president also highlighted the ramifications of continued Israeli military actions, citing the casualties, injuries, and damage to villages and towns in southern Lebanon under occupation. Both leaders underscored the importance of expanding economic and energy ties, with Qatar expressing readiness to assist Lebanon amid its challenging economic circumstances.
The visit by Sheikh Mohammed to Beirut symbolizes Qatar’s reaffirmed solidarity with Lebanon and its role in regional diplomacy, aiming to ease tensions and foster cooperation for mutual security and prosperity. The talks reflected a shared commitment to addressing the broader geopolitical dynamics affecting Lebanon and the wider Middle East.