Aoun following his meeting with Qatari Foreign Minister: Qatar's support and assistance to Lebanon confirm the distinguished relations between both countries

President of the Republic General Michel Aoun expressed Lebanese appreciation, by the President and people, for the support provided by the State of Qatar, under the directives of Qatari Prince, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, to Lebanon and the Lebanese, especially during the difficult circumstances which Lebanon went through after the Beirut Port explosion through urgent social, humanitarian and health aid that arrived and was placed at the disposal of the affected Lebanese. The President also considered that this aid is an affirmation of the distinguished relations between both brotherly states.

The positions of President Aoun came while receiving the Qatari Deputy Prime Minister, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani, today at Baabda Palace.

The Qatari Minister arrived in Beirut on a solidarity visit with Lebanon, which is the second since his first visit on the 25th of August. President Aoun asserted that the Qatari solidarity with Lebanon was translated on several occasions, whether through financial and in-kind donations through the participation of the Prince of Qatar in the Paris Conference to support Lebanon which was organized by the French President Emmanuel Macron, or through the air bridge which was established between Beirut and Doha to send medical and food aid in addition to field hospitals each with a capacity of 500 beds.

In addition, President Aoun expressed his appreciation for the facilities provided by Qatar to Lebanese citizens residing there, and the job opportunities it provides to many Lebanese, especially in light of the difficult economic conditions which Lebanese is passing through. Then, the President asked the Qatari Foreign Affairs Ministers to convey to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the congratulations for the recent reconciliation which has normalized relations between the Arab Gulf states, focusing on the importance of the unity of the Arab stance, in these circumstances.

For his part, the Qatari Minister began the meeting by conveying the greetings of the Qatari Prince to President Aoun, and his wishes for success, focusing on the historical relations between Lebanon and Qatar, which have always been characterized by brotherhood, friendship and cooperation, stressing that Qatar stands by Lebanon in these delicate circumstances. In addition, Minister Al-Thani expressed his country's readiness to continue providing urgent assistance of various kinds to the Lebanese people, in addition to contributing to the projects that Qatar had already started implementing in Lebanon. Al-Thani also assured Qatar's readiness to assist in any issue that Lebanon might need assistance in, hoping to quickly form a government to discuss various aspects of support in light of the political stability which Qatar hopes to achieve.

The Qatari Foreign Minister also expressed hope to see President Aoun in Doha "on a visit to his second country, Qatar".

On the Qatari side, the meeting was attended by: Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohammed Hassan Jaber Al-Jaber, the Director of the Foreign Minister's office, Ambassador Saad Al-Kharji, Ambassador Meshaal Al-Mazroui, and Mr. Abdullah Al-Sulaiti.

On the Lebanese side, the meeting was attended by: Foreign Affairs Minister, Charbel Wehbe, former Minister, Salim Jreisatti, Presidency Director General, Dr. Antoine Choucair, Protocol General Director, Dr. Nabil Chedid, and Advisors Rafic Chelala and Osama Khashab.