Qatar PM-FM Sheikh Mohammed Pledges Solar Project, Calls for Israeli Withdrawal During Beirut Visit

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, concluded a significant visit to Beirut on Friday, reaffirming Doha's steadfast support for Lebanon's sovereignty and national institutions. During his meetings with senior Lebanese political and security officials, Sheikh Mohammed announced plans for a major solar energy project spearheaded by QatarEnergy, aimed at addressing Lebanon's ongoing energy crisis.

Arriving in Beirut on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. The following day, he engaged in high-level discussions at Baabda Palace with President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Salam. Further meetings were held with key figures including Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal and General Security chief Major General Hassan Choucair. These engagements underscored Qatar's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and providing support amidst prevailing regional tensions.

A central theme of the discussions was energy cooperation and regional de-escalation. Sheikh Mohammed explicitly called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory. "First of all, the important issue for us was the bilateral relations between the two countries and how we can work on joint projects that will contribute to the security and stability of the region and its prosperity in the future," Sheikh Mohammed stated during a press briefing.

The announcement of a substantial solar power plant by QatarEnergy was a key highlight. "It is an integrated project covering the various sources of energy production and the infrastructure required to support them, with the aim of providing electricity more quickly, reliably and at a lower cost," explained Prime Minister Salam, who thanked Qatar for its continuous cooperation and support, particularly in Lebanon's redevelopment efforts.

Sheikh Mohammed also reiterated Qatar's backing for Lebanon's governmental actions, including the demand for Israeli forces to withdraw from occupied territories and hand them over to the Lebanese army. "Of course, Qatar supports all the steps Lebanon is taking and supports the direction of the Lebanese state, including the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation army from the occupied territories and their handover to the Lebanese army, which the State of Qatar will continue to support in the future," he added.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed gratitude to Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatari government for their unwavering support, commending Doha's role in fostering regional stability through dialogue. President Aoun urged Qatar to continue collaborating with Arab and friendly nations to pressure Israel to cease its attacks in southern Lebanon and adhere to the framework agreement. He also acknowledged the potential for inter-sectoral cooperation and welcomed Qatar's assistance with the electricity crisis. President Aoun condemned recent attacks on Gulf countries and reaffirmed Lebanon's solidarity with its Gulf neighbors, while also highlighting the destruction caused by Israeli actions in southern Lebanon. He described Sheikh Mohammed's visit as a significant message of support and hope.

Also in attendance at various meetings were Lebanon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Rajji, and Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi.