Caretaker Economy Minister Raed Khoury confirmed on Thursday, that the cabinet’s decision to ban the entry of Turkish products into Lebanon only aimed at protecting the country's economy and had no political background whatsoever.
In a joint press conference with President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists Dr. Fadi Gemayel, he said that "Lebanon's relations with the Turkish authorities are very good", reiterating Lebanon's decision to ban the import of biscuits, wafers, and detergents from Turkey to protect the Lebanese industry.
"We will step up measures to curb smuggling through illegal ports," the Minister added, noting that several factories in Lebanon have closed due to illegal competition.