Lebanon, Qatar reaffirm commitment to stronger ties, support for Palestine, Syria

By Naim Berjawi and Rania Abu Shamala

BEIRUT / ISTANBUL (AA) - Lebanon and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening relations and reiterated their support for Palestine and Syria on Wednesday.

A joint statement was issued at the conclusion of a two-day visit to Doha by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that included talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Both sides expressed a keenness to "deepen and enhance relations across all fields in the interest of both countries and peoples, coordinate positions on key issues, and address regional matters through dialogue and diplomacy.”

Lebanon’s National News Agency, NNA, said the emir renewed his country's support for the Lebanese state and army.

He announced the renewal of a $60 million Qatari grant to support army salaries, in addition to 162 military vehicles to enable the army to carry out its national duties of maintaining stability and securing the borders.

Lebanon has faced a severe financial collapse since 2019, with the Lebanese pound losing more than 98% of its value -- falling from 1,500 to an average of 90,000 against the US dollar.

On regional issues, Lebanon and Qatar affirmed their “unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.”​​​​​​​

The two countries also reiterated their “support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence,” according to the statement.​​​​​​​