Qatar activates joint energy project with Lebanon, urges Israel to withdraw

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Doha is working to provide integrated solutions for Lebanon's energy sector and activate projects previously agreed upon by the two countries.

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Speaking after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Al Thani said their talks focused on bilateral relations and ways to implement joint projects that can contribute to the region's security, stability and prosperity.

"The energy sector is a top priority for Lebanon," he said, adding that his next meeting with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam will discuss efforts to activate projects previously agreed upon by Beirut and Doha.

Al Thani also said he had discussed regional and international developments with Aoun, particularly the situation in southern Lebanon and the “Israeli occupation practices” against the country.

He reiterated Qatar's support for the steps taken by Lebanon and stressed the need for the Israeli military to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories and hand them over to the Lebanese army.

Al Thani also reiterated Qatar's continued support for Lebanon.

Separately, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said his country remains committed to maintaining an international force in southern Lebanon to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon  after its mandate expires at the end of this year.

The statement was made during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, which was also attended by UNIFIL Commander Diodato Abagnara and his delegation, according to a statement from the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.

The meeting discussed the situation in southern Lebanon and the future of the international troop presence in the region after UNIFIL's mandate ends.

Rajji appreciated the sacrifices of UN peacekeepers in maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, on Monday (12/10), the Council of the European Union adopted a decision to establish a new support mission in Lebanon with an initial period of three years to strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese army and the Internal Security Forces, and support the country's sovereignty and stability.