Lebanon’s Energy Minister, Iranian ambassador tackle fuel donation
Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad hailed the Iranian donation amid Lebanon's fuel and power crises.
Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad held a meeting with Iran's ambassador to Beirut Mujtaba Amani in the presence of Iranian diplomats as well as a Lebanese delegation -- visiting Iran soon.
During the meeting, Fayyad and Amani discussed the Iranian donation which includes a fuel grant as well as power plant repair and construction.
Fayyad has also affirmed that all Lebanese political forces have encouraged approval of the Iranian donation.
Fayyad recalled that the donation is the result of an initiative by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has recently expressed to Al Mayadeen, as part of the "Dialogue of the 40th Anniversary”, Hezbollah’s readiness to provide Iranian fuel to Lebanese power plants for free, conditioning the proposal to the Lebanese government's approval.
Fayyad regarded the Iranian initiative as strategically important because it will serve as a starting point for the implementation of the electricity plan developed by the ministry and approved by the Council of Ministers.
“The Iranian initiative will provide more electricity to citizens than private generators, putting the energy sector on a sustainable path of recovery and advancement," according to the Lebanese minister.
On his account, the Iranian ambassador affirmed that "Tehran is keen to provide complete support for Lebanon”, adding “Our country is ready to donate fuel oil for Lebanon upon the approval of the Lebanese government and the official visit of a delegation to Tehran for direct coordination on this matter."
He also stressed the consent of the Lebanese government to reach the desired conclusions, emphasizing that this gift will benefit all Lebanese people. He hoped that it would be the start of cooperation in all areas.
Last month, Al Mayadeen Net conducted an exclusive interview with Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad during which he welcomed the Iranian donation amid Lebanon's fuel and power crises that have seen people receive less than two hours of electricity a day.