Aoun Urges Qatar to Keep Up Pressure on Israel
President Joseph Aoun praised the role of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari leadership in their ongoing efforts to restore stability across the region by bridging differences and addressing the causes of escalation.
Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at Baabda Palace.
The meeting was attended by Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, Qatar’s Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, and Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Aoun thanked the Qatari Emir and government for their support to Lebanon across all sectors, expressing hope that Qatar would continue working with fellow Arab states and friendly countries to pressure Israel to halt its attacks in southern Lebanon and implement the framework agreement reached through U.S.-mediated negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.
The president also renewed his condemnation of attacks targeting Gulf countries, most recently those against Saudi Arabia, and reaffirmed Lebanon’s solidarity, at both the leadership and popular levels, with its Gulf brethren.
Turning to Lebanese-Qatari relations, Aoun welcomed further cooperation between the two countries in all fields, particularly energy. Qatar has previously expressed its readiness to help find solutions to Lebanon’s electricity crisis.
Aoun also briefed the Qatari prime minister on the ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and the resulting casualties, injuries and destruction in southern villages and towns under Israeli occupation.
He asked the prime minister to convey his greetings and best wishes to the Qatari Emir, wishing Qatar continued security, stability and progress. Aoun stressed that the Lebanese people would not forget the assistance Qatar has provided, and continues to provide, during the difficult circumstances Lebanon has faced.
He also thanked the Qatari prime minister for visiting Beirut, describing the visit as a demonstration of Qatar’s affection and support for Lebanon and “a renewed message of hope to the Lebanese people.”
