Doha, April 15 (QNA) - HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani affirmed that the visit of HE President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun to Doha, his first visit after his election as president, is the culmination of a developing journey of distinguished fraternal relations between the two countries in various fields over the years.

In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency said the visit of HE the Lebanese President constitutes an important milestone in reviewing relations between the two countries, giving them a boost, and opening new horizons for cooperation in various fields, in addition to discussing a number of issues of common interest.

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Lebanon have enjoyed strong fraternal relations throughout history, built on foundations of trust, partnership, and brotherhood spanning decades, which have positively impacted the two countries and contributed to their prosperity in various sectors and at all levels.

Regarding the most prominent areas of cooperation between the two countries, HE Ambassador explained that the establishment of the Joint Higher Committee between Qatar and Lebanon in 2005 contributed to the development and strengthening of bilateral cooperation. The countries signed numerous agreements covering cultural, economic, and educational cooperation, in addition to cooperation agreements in the fields of media, tourism and sports, and the establishment of a Qatari-Lebanese Business Council to encourage investments and exchange of expertise, in addition to cooperation in the security, legal and other fields, which reflects the mutual trust between the two parties and their keenness to advance relations towards a deep partnership, HE pointed out.

HE Ambassador noted the economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of gas and oil, and said that Qatar is participating in oil and gas exploration projects as part of a consortium that includes the French company TotalEnergies and the Italian company Eni, which enhances investor confidence and contributes to providing sustainable solutions to stabilize the Lebanese energy sector.

His Excellency added that Qatar attaches the utmost importance to the education sector in Lebanon, as it is one of the fundamental pillars of human development. This stems from its commitment to supporting education to ensure a decent life, which supports the process of sustainable human development through which the desired development goals of the United Nations are achieved.

His Excellency pointed out that Qatar was among the first countries to respond to the call of the Lebanese people after the Beirut Port explosion in 2020, as it financed restoration projects for more than 122 educational facilities in the affected areas under the supervision of UNESCO. Qatar also funded the National Library's rehabilitation project in 2018, and its second restoration following the Beirut Port explosion, HE Ambassador added. He pointed out that this interest was recently demonstrated through the visit of HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Lolwah bint Rashid Al Khater, where she renewed Qatar's commitment to strengthening educational cooperation between the two brotherly countries.

HE Ambassador highlighted Qatar's interest in Lebanon's medical sector, having provided funding for the restoration of the old Karantina Hospital building in Beirut, as part of other health aid packages that included more than 30,000 doses of vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and the provision of fuel to government hospitals.

His Excellency explained that the prospects for cooperation between the countries also include the exchange of expertise in the security and military fields, noting the distinguished relations between the State of Qatar and the Lebanese military institution, which were evident in the significant support provided by Qatar to the Lebanese Army to enable it to carry out its national duties in maintaining stability and civil peace, based on its commitment to Lebanon's security and territorial integrity. 

HE Qatar's Ambassador to Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani affirmed that Qatar and Lebanon share strong bonds of brotherhood, Arab identity, and a deeply rooted common history. He noted that Qatar has consistently stood by its Lebanese brothers, and that the relationship between the two countries serves as a model for ties among sisterly nations. Lebanon and its people, he added, hold a special place in the hearts of Qatar's leadership, government, and people.

His Excellency stressed that Qatar's position toward Lebanon remains firm and unwavering, as Doha always aspires to see Lebanon achieves stability and to support the aspirations of the Lebanese people for further progress and prosperity.

He said: "The State of Qatar has taken the initiative at every critical juncture in the history of brotherly Lebanon to support the resilience of its people through political, humanitarian, and relief efforts. The most recent of these is Qatar's contribution, alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the French Republic, and the Arab Republic of Egypt, within the framework of the Quintet Committee, to help end the presidential vacuum in Lebanon." His Excellency also highlighted Qatar's previous initiatives, most notably the Doha Agreement of 2008, which brought an end to the political crisis at that time.

"The State of Qatar has also worked to enhance its diplomatic presence by actively participating in international forums and meetings in support of Lebanon. Qatar has taken honorable positions that have been deeply appreciated by the Lebanese people across all segments of society, particularly during the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon, and the directive to dispatch relief aid to those affected by the war," His Excellency continued.

HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani reaffirmed that the State of Qatar has never hesitated to provide all forms of humanitarian, relief, political, and development assistance to the Lebanese people and official institutions during times of crisis. He noted that Qatar was a principal contributor to the reconstruction efforts in southern Lebanon following the 2006 war, playing a leading role in rehabilitating infrastructure and rebuilding the southern regions affected by the Israeli aggression at that time.

He added that the visit of HE President Joseph Aoun is receiving significant attention and great interest from officials in both countries, given its anticipated positive impact on strengthening bilateral relations and opening new horizons for joint cooperation, as well as advancing collaboration across various fields.

HE the Ambassador emphasized that the Lebanese President's visit, which is an embodiment of the longstanding historical ties between the two nations, represents an opportunity to discuss developments in Lebanon and the wider region. It also underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting Lebanon across multiple sectors.

The visit will be followed by further meetings within the framework of the Joint Higher Committee, during which several new agreements - currently under discussion between the two sides - are expected to be signed.

His Excellency pointed out that the election of a President of the Republic in Lebanon was warmly welcomed by the State of Qatar, reflecting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and their shared vision on Arab issues.

He emphasized Qatar's unwavering commitment to Lebanon's stability and prosperity, noting that this new phase marks the culmination of both international and Arab efforts - in which Qatar played a pivotal role - to resolve Lebanon's presidential crisis.

He further explained that the upcoming visit of the Lebanese President to Doha is expected to include discussions on regional developments, Lebanon's relations with Arab and Gulf countries, and a review of the Lebanese government's reform measures, achievements, and future plans for national recovery.

The visit will also address the recent security developments in southern Lebanon and the country's commitment to the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. His Excellency expressed Qatar's hope for the full implementation of the resolution by all parties, enabling Lebanon to restore its sovereignty and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south.

Concluding his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Qatar's Ambassador to Lebanon Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani reiterated that the State of Qatar and the Republic of Lebanon enjoy strong historical relations that reflect the spirit of cooperation and brotherhood.

These ties date back to 1972, when diplomatic relations were officially established between the two nations. He affirmed that the Lebanese President's visit to Doha will bring mutual benefit and further prosperity to both brotherly countries, while serving as a valuable opportunity to expand cooperation across various sectors. (QNA)