Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani this evening at his residence.
During the meeting, President Mikati affirmed “the strength of relations between Lebanon and Qatar,” stressing “the continuous work to activate them at all levels.”
He stressed, “Lebanon appreciates and appreciates Qatar’s permanent support for its people.”
He pointed out that the new Qatari support for the army, in parallel with the periodic aid to all the military and security forces, is the subject of comprehensive appreciation by all Lebanese and helps Lebanon to overcome the difficult stage and maintain stability in it.
A Qatari gift to the army:
The State of Qatar had announced that it had provided $60 million in support to the Lebanese army, in implementation of the directives of the Emir of the country, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to the Qatar News Agency.
This coincided with the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Fund for Development, to Lebanon to attend the consultative meeting of Arab foreign ministers called by Lebanon.
This announcement also comes within the framework of the State of Qatar’s firm commitment to support the Lebanese Republic and stand by the brotherly Lebanese people, in addition to its firm belief in the importance and necessity of joint Arab action, according to the Qatari statement.
Army chief: The Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun, according to a statement distributed by the Army Command – Directorate of Orientation, thanked the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his generous gesture towards the Lebanese Army, by announcing his sister country to provide a financial contribution of $60 million to support the Lebanese Army.
Aoun praised “this valuable initiative, which reflects the commitment of the State of Qatar towards Lebanon, its people and its army,” stressing that “this assistance is intended to support the elements of the army.”
He pointed out that “the sisterly State of Qatar has always been proactive in standing by Lebanon, especially the army, as it took the initiative about a year ago to send monthly food aid to the military institution, in light of its suffering from the repercussions of the economic crisis that Lebanon is going through.”