Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati announced that he discussed with the Iraqi Prime Minister the issue of continuing to supply Lebanon with Iraqi oil and the financial obligations related to it. They agreed to maintain this support, which will help resolve the ongoing crisis. Miqati also thanked Iraq for not hesitating to instruct the unloading of fuel shipments, noting that "we will meet after Ashura in Baghdad to discuss this matter."
Miqati made these comments during the inauguration of an electronic assembly and production factory at the Lebanese University – Fanar. In his speech, he stated: "This is an exceptional occasion, and in exceptional circumstances, we gather to announce the opening of an electronics factory at our national university. It is indeed a wonderful step, accompanied by the efforts made by the Lebanese University over a short period, which restored its shine and distinguished scientific and professional status both domestically and internationally. Today, the individuals in charge of this university, along with its staff, are announcing their pursuit of excellence in technology industries and scientific research. This electronics factory on the university campus will transform into a place for creativity and innovation, in addition to production, and it will have a positive impact on the university community and national industries."
He added: "With pride, we share today the opening ceremony of this factory at the 'Pierre Gemayel University Complex.' This initiative represents a significant transformation in the journey of the Lebanese University, which is steadily moving towards enhancing innovation and opening promising horizons for young generations by linking education with global technical expertise and supporting high-quality local industry to compete with imported counterparts, led by experts, professors, and students from within the university."
Miqati continued: "The opening of this factory is the result of joint cooperation between the Lebanese University and the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh International group, represented by its chairman Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, whom we had hoped would be with us today but unfortunately could not attend due to a health problem. We wish him a swift recovery and welcome him among us, expressing our appreciation for his belief in the ability of youth in the Arab world and in Lebanon to acquire and develop technological knowledge on the ground, in addition to adopting the designs of professors and graduates and granting them patents to be included in production lines."
He added: "Our Lebanese University, which we are proud to be part of today, holds a prominent and esteemed position for its internationally recognized scientific achievements, holding international accreditation classification. It is a place where our generations come together to build the future, which is promising with much goodness and hope driven by determination, will, and national momentum. Here, young people are striving through science, research, and specialization. All over Lebanon, young men and women are the sons of the glory of our homeland, which we believe will be more resilient and remains strong, through the interaction, unity, and love of its children for dignity and freedom."
Miqati further asserted that the Lebanese University, under the guidance and diligent follow-up of Minister Abbas Halabi, deserves special recognition for its President Dr. Bassam Badran and for the university professors, including Dr. Antoine Charbel. He affirmed that the university, with its scientific, research, and administrative competencies and expertise, proves that it possesses a suitable environment for innovation, which will encourage investors to collaborate with the university on similar projects."
Concluding, Miqati stated, "Before wrapping up, I must refer to a vital matter that concerns all citizens and has been a topic of discussion in the past two days. From this platform, I thank the Iraqi Prime Minister, who did not hesitate, following my call with him yesterday, to instruct the continuation of supplying Lebanon with Iraqi fuel. This is another gesture towards Lebanon. We agreed to meet soon, God willing, in Baghdad after the Ashura ceremonies to follow up on this matter and work towards further cooperation. Thank you to Iraq and to all the brotherly and friendly countries that support Lebanon in this difficult phase."
