Beirut: Lebanese officials and analysts unanimously agreed that the visit of Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun to the State of Qatar represents a significant milestone that underscores the deep-rooted and strong historical ties between the two brotherly countries. It also highlights Qatar’s leading role in supporting Lebanon through various stages and challenges it has faced.

According to Qatar News Agency, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Lebanon share close relations characterized by transparency and mutual respect, founded on common Arab principles and values. These ties aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, reflecting the spirit of genuine Arab brotherhood and the shared desire to advance the mutual interests of both countries.

In this context, the member of the democratic gathering bloc, MP Hadi Abou Al-Hassan praised in a statement to QNA, the State of Qatar’s consistent support for Lebanon at all stages. Abu Al-Hassan highlighted Qatar’s significant support for Lebanon during the reconstruction phase following the Israeli aggression in 2006, as well as its decisive role in bridging divisions during the Lebanese crisis by hosting the Lebanese National Dialogue Conference in Doha in May 2008. This led to the Doha Agreement, which marked a pivotal step toward calm and stability in Lebanon, with its positive impact lasting for many years.

He commended the efforts made by the State of Qatar to resolve the presidential vacancy crisis, which began after the end of President Michel Aoun’s term in October 2022 and continued until the election of President Joseph Aoun on Jan. 9, 2025.

MP Abu Al-Hassan affirmed that the visit of the Lebanese President to the State of Qatar comes within the framework of strengthening the historical ties between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Lebanon. He expressed his hopes, under the new presidential era in Lebanon, to reinforce fraternal relations with Arab brothers, foremost among them Qatar, to consolidate and develop these ties in a manner that aligns with Lebanon’s Arab identity and deep-rooted affiliation.

For his part, development and liberation bloc MP Qassem Hashem said in a similar statement to QNA that the Lebanese people always look to their brothers in the State of Qatar, both leadership and people, based on the fraternal relations that unite the two countries. He affirmed that Qatar has played a leading role in standing by Lebanon during critical and defining moments.

He expressed Lebanon’s aspiration to further strengthen these relations on all levels, noting that Qatar has been the closest to understanding and addressing Lebanon’s issues at a time when many others had turned their backs on the country.

Former Minister of Health Dr. Firas Al Abiad praised, in a statement to QNA, the State of Qatar’s consistent support for Lebanon during times of crisis, especially through the establishment of an air bridge that delivered medical aid, food supplies, and shelter materials during the recent Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

He also highlighted Qatar’s support during Lebanon’s economic crisis, particularly through the provision of fuel to support public hospitals and healthcare facilities. He expressed appreciation for Qatar’s contribution to the rehabilitation of Karantina Hospital after it was damaged in the Beirut Port explosion in 2020.

Former Minister of Tourism Wadih El Khazen affirmed in a statement to QNA that President Aoun’s visit to Doha once again underscores the depth of the historical ties between the two countries and renews the shared desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. He noted that Lebanese-Qatari relations represent a model of Arab cooperation based on brotherhood and mutual support.

He considered the visit to be particularly important in light of current regional and international circumstances, particularly in the context of exploring ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, stimulate Qatari investments in Lebanon, and support Qatar’s efforts to restore economic recovery and political consensus in Lebanon.

He said that the State of Qatar has played a pivotal role in supporting Lebanon at critical junctures in its modern history, particularly during the Israeli aggression on Lebanon in July 2006, when it was among the first countries to provide humanitarian and financial aid. Qatar also reconstructed several southern villages and towns damaged by the aggression, a gesture that the Lebanese people continue to remember with appreciation and gratitude.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar has continued its humanitarian and developmental role in Lebanon through various support programs, covering sectors such as health, education, and relief. Qatar made a notable contribution by providing field hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as sending urgent aid following the Beirut Port explosion in 2020.

On the political level, Qatari diplomacy has been distinguished by its balanced positions supporting Lebanon’s unity and stability. This was demonstrated through the Doha Agreement in 2008 after Qatar hosted the Lebanese National Dialogue Conference, which helped extricate the country from a severe political crisis and brought Lebanese factions to the negotiating table. This strengthened confidence in Qatar’s role as a fair and influential mediator in its Arab surroundings,” El-Khazen added.

In his interview with QNA, El Khazen also touched upon Lebanese-Qatari relations in the economic field and the shared aspirations to enhance partnerships in energy, investment, tourism, and banking services. He highlighted Qatar’s interest in contributing to vital developmental projects as part of Lebanon’s economic recovery path, taking into account the anticipated reforms Lebanon aims to implement with the support of its brothers and friends.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar is home to a large and active Lebanese community that contributes to various sectors of work and production, serving as an additional bridge to strengthen understanding and communication between the two peoples.

The former Lebanese Minister of Tourism stressed that the relations between Lebanon and Qatar are based on a legacy of cooperation and solidarity, continuously growing thanks to the wise leadership of both countries. With each new meeting, hopes are renewed for a more prosperous and stable shared future that reflects the aspirations of both brotherly peoples.