The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received the Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Al-Shateen Palace in Abu Dhabi. The Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Shehab Dandan, attended the meeting alongside Mikati. From the Emirati side, Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council Ali bin Hamad Al Shamsi, and Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar were present.
The UAE news agency (WAM) reported that both sides discussed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them in various areas, especially in developmental and economic fields, among other aspects that serve the interests of both nations.
The two parties agreed to take the necessary measures to reopen the UAE embassy in Beirut and to form a joint committee to establish a mechanism to facilitate the issuance of entry visas for Lebanese citizens to the UAE. Mikati updated bin Zayed on the developments in Lebanon and the efforts being made to find solutions to the challenges faced at various levels.
Both sides exchanged views on several current Arab and international issues. During the meeting, bin Zayed emphasized the strength of the fraternal ties that unite the UAE and Lebanon, noting that the UAE has always stood by the Lebanese people since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Bin Zayed stressed “the UAE's firm position regarding Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and its constant support for its brotherly people,” reiterating that the UAE's stance towards Lebanon focuses on supporting everything that maintains its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and what serves the interests of its people in development and prosperity. He stated, “We want to see a strong, cohesive Lebanon that is an effective party in its Arab, regional, and international surroundings.”
For his part, Mikati expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the continuous support that Lebanon receives from the UAE, which has had a positive impact on the Lebanese people's spirits. He noted that the UAE's genuine fraternal positions and the support provided to Lebanon during previous phases have contributed to enhancing its ability to confront many challenges.
