President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, on Friday reaffirmed the “deep-rooted and historic relations between Lebanon and Kuwait,” expressing hope for the return of Kuwaiti nationals and other Gulf citizens to Lebanon.
“Arab unity is the cornerstone for addressing current challenges,” affirmed Aoun.
During a meeting at Baabda Palace with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, and an accompanying delegation, President Aoun underscored his commitment to strengthening Lebanon-Gulf relations.
“Following the formation of the government, Lebanon will engage with Gulf countries to establish new frameworks for cooperation based on principles outlined in the inaugural address,” Aoun noted.
In turn, Minister Al-Yahya conveyed congratulations from Kuwaiti leadership on Aoun’s election, reaffirming Kuwait’s solidarity with Lebanon and pledging comprehensive support. He recalled Lebanon’s early condemnation of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait as a testament to its enduring friendship.
For his part, Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, promising aid contingent on reforms and announcing plans to develop a Gulf economic program in coordination with Lebanon’s new government.
Moreover, President Aoun expressed gratitude for Kuwait and the GCC’s support, emphasizing Lebanon’s commitment to progress under a renewed Arab partnership.
The meeting was attended by senior Lebanese and Kuwaiti officials, with Minister Al-Yahya leaving a note in the presidential guestbook, wishing Lebanon “continued progress and prosperity”.
House Speaker, Nabih Berri, on Friday welcomed at the second presidential headquarters in Ain el Tineh, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of Speaker Berri’s Media Advisor Ali Hamdan.
Talks during the meeting reportedly touched on the general situation in Lebanon and the broad region, highlighting the importance of Lebanon restoring its role, stability and prosperity.
The meeting was also an occasion to emphasize the need for Israel to commit to all the terms of the ceasefire agreement, implement Resolution 1701, and end its occupation of all Lebanese territories it still occupies in southern Lebanon.
Viewpoints were also similar during the meeting especially on the importance of adhering to the Taif Agreement and implementing its reform provisions.
Speaker Berri hailed the cordial historic relations between Lebanon and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their constant support for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. represented by the bridges of continuous support.
Berri also conveyed his greetings and that of the Lebanese people to the Emir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and to all the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
In turn, Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam, welcomed Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and GCC Secretary-General, Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, along with their delegations, at his residence in Qoreitem.
During the visit, the Kuwaiti minister conveyed his country’s congratulations to Salam and expressed Kuwait’s full readiness to support Lebanon in various sectors, wishing him success in his mission.
The meeting also addressed the possibility of organizing a Gulf-Lebanese investment forum in Beirut in the coming months.
For his part, Salam emphasized the importance of tackling Lebanon’s internal challenges and stressed the significance of restoring Lebanese-Gulf relations, which he sees as a priority in the near future.
Salam also expressed optimism about the Gulf and Arab support for Lebanon’s new phase, which began with the election of President Joseph Aoun.
Source: NNA
