Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at Baabda Palace, where the two officials discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

President Aoun expressed Lebanon’s eagerness to welcome back Qatari visitors, emphasizing that Qatar has always stood by Lebanon and supported its people during difficult times. He also praised Qatar’s role in supporting Lebanon’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector, stating that Lebanon looks forward to resuming oil exploration soon in cooperation with TotalEnergies.

Qatar announced last year that it was entering a consortium to explore gas off Lebanon's shores after the country managed to reach an agreement with the Israeli occupation through meditation from the United States, allowing it to start exploring offshore gas.

The deal between the two parties ushered in Lebanon's exploration of its southern Qana reservoir after having been criticized by the Israeli occupation as being the "biggest ever strategic mistake" committed by then Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

For his part, Al Thani reaffirmed that his visit to Beirut was a show of support from Qatar to Lebanon. Following his meeting with Aoun, he stressed his country’s hope for the completion of Lebanon’s new government formation and the realization of the Lebanese people's aspirations, while also welcoming Aoun’s election as president.

He noted that indicators in the region have been positive since the beginning of the year, underscoring the need to implement UN Resolution 1701 to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty. He also emphasized the importance of enforcing the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon, condemning Israeli violations of the ceasefire and airspace incursions.

Al Thani further announced that Qatar would play a role in Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts and reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to continuing support for the Lebanese Armed Forces. Additionally, he highlighted Qatar’s ongoing efforts to fully implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and proceed with its second phase.

Israeli ceasefire violations

Later, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister at the Second Presidency headquarters in Ain el-Tineh. The meeting, attended by the Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Lebanese Ambassador to Qatar Farah Berri, and the parliament speaker’s media advisor Ali Hamdan, addressed general developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations.

Berri briefed Al Thani on Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement and UN Resolution 1701, accusing Israel of systematically destroying border villages and turning them into scorched land. He also highlighted Israel’s obstruction of the agreement’s implementation and the work of the Quintet Committee. According to the National News Agency, Berri pledged to provide Qatar with a detailed report documenting Israeli violations.

He also extended his gratitude to Qatar’s leadership and people for their continued support of Lebanon across various sectors, including humanitarian and development aid, as well as assistance to the Lebanese military.

Appreciation for 'Qatar's commitment to aiding Lebanon'

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam received Al Thani at his residence in Qoreitem, in the presence of Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed al-Khulaifi, and Ambassador Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Al Thani reiterated his country’s readiness to continue supporting Lebanon in various fields and invited Salam to visit Doha at the earliest opportunity. In response, Salam expressed appreciation for Qatar’s commitment to assisting Lebanon, voicing optimism about the restoration of strong ties with Arab nations, which he believes will positively impact Lebanon’s reconstruction and investment prospects.

Earlier in the day, Al Thani arrived in Beirut and held discussions with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, focusing on Lebanon’s current situation, regional developments, and bilateral relations.