Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khalifi is touring Lebanese political and religious leaders, sent by the Government of Qatar. At the end of the first day of meetings held in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, sources accompanying the visit told "Warda" that the Qatari delegation's tour is "exploratory and aimed at listening to the positions and opinions of all parties without carrying any initiative," hoping to eventually develop a summary capable of forming an initiative that can aid Lebanon out of its crisis. Notably, Qatar is a member of the quintet committee, and according to the same sources, this visit is coordinated with committee members, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Qatari envoy began his visit program at Ain El Tineh, meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in the presence of the Qatari ambassador to Lebanon, Ibrahim Al-Sahlawi. They discussed the general situation, the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, the bilateral relations between Lebanon and Qatar, and ways to strengthen and develop them.
The delegation then moved to the Grand Serail, where caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized "the close ties between Lebanon and Qatar at all levels," praising "Qatar's contributions to supporting Lebanon amid the political and economic difficulties it is facing," and reiterated "appreciation for Qatari support to the army during this difficult phase, enabling it to fulfill its responsibilities." Mikati also presented the current situation in Lebanon and the government's efforts to address urgent issues within the constitutional framework during the caretaker period, reiterating that "the key to solving the crises Lebanon suffers from lies in electing a new president as soon as possible."
The Qatari delegation proceeded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they met with caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, who described the visit as "brotherly," especially since Qatar is very close to Lebanon and has not abandoned it.
Afterwards, the Qatari delegation met with the head of the Lebanese Forces party, MP Sami Gemayel, at the Kataeb party headquarters in Sursock. The need to elect a president for Lebanon as quickly as possible, who is capable of addressing all political, economic, and financial issues, and restoring Lebanon's relations with its friends in the Arab world and beyond was emphasized. In a press conference following the meeting, Gemayel noted that "the Qatari delegation is gathering opinions; there was no initiative or proposal, but rather an opportunity to listen and try to understand the Lebanese reality," pointing out that they "place themselves at Lebanon's disposal to assist in full coordination with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries." The head of the Kataeb party stressed "the rejection of a president subject to the will of weapons, who keeps Lebanon isolated from its Arab surroundings and the international community, or a president who lacks understanding of economics and reforms."
Regarding the French initiative, Gemayel stated: "Who said there is a French initiative towards Sleiman Frangieh? I have been invited to Paris 10 times and have met with Patrick Durel 20 times. The French are meeting with everyone and trying to find solutions, and we must specify clear criteria because we will not accept just any president or approach this issue lightly, which we will pay the price for over six years."
The Qatari envoy began his meetings with religious leaders from Dar Al-Fatwa, where he reviewed the general conditions with the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Deryan, stressing the importance of stability and unity in Lebanon. At Bkerke, there was a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, and the Qatari State Minister left the patriarchate without making any statements, planning to continue his tour with other Lebanese parties.
