Aoun hails UAE business delegation’s visit as “message of hope and confidence” in Lebanon
President Joseph Aoun underscored the deep-rooted and fraternal ties between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates, saying the visit of a high-level Emirati business delegation to Beirut sent a message of hope and confidence in Lebanon’s stability and future and opened new prospects for cooperation and investment.
Aoun made the remarks as he received UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who headed a delegation of Emirati business leaders and investors. The meeting was attended by Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadi, former minister and head of Lebanon’s economic bodies Mohammad Choucair, UAE Ambassador to Lebanon Fahad Salem Saeed Al Kaabi, Lebanon’s Ambassador to the UAE Tarek Mneimneh, and Lebanese and Emirati business representatives.
Security and investment are undoubtedly interconnected, but as long as there is genuine will and sincere intent, challenges will not stand in our way, Aoun said.
He highlighted Lebanon’s human capital, private sector, geographic position and extensive global diaspora as assets that could support renewed economic growth.
Lebanon is your second country. We invite you to invest here, Aoun told the delegation, thanking UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support for Lebanon.
Al Zeyoudi conveyed to Aoun the greetings of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
He described the delegation’s meetings with Lebanese businesses and investors as highly productive, saying they had provided an opportunity to explore investment prospects across various sectors.
Al Zeyoudi highlighted strong growth in bilateral trade, saying non-oil trade between Lebanon and the UAE reached $4.2 billion last year, one of the highest levels recorded in the past 15 years. He also pointed to existing Emirati investments in Lebanon.
The minister said the presence of Emirati business leaders in Beirut could play an important role in strengthening logistical connectivity between Lebanon, the UAE and international companies, particularly in the technology sector.
He also praised Lebanese expertise and the contribution of Lebanese professionals to the UAE’s development, saying several memoranda of understanding had been signed across different sectors.
Al Zeyoudi highlighted the positive impact of lifting restrictions on Emirati travel to Lebanon and called for work toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement that could provide an overarching framework for bilateral economic relations and the exchange of government expertise.
The presence of Emirati business leaders and investors in Lebanon is a positive message and clear evidence of the UAE’s affection for Lebanon, Al Zeyoudi said, adding that the UAE was ready to further deepen cooperation.
Economy and Trade Minister Amer Bisat, for his part, said the significance of the visit extended beyond its symbolism to its substance, noting that discussions had addressed several proposals, particularly the establishment of a broad investment framework.
