Eyeing reconstruction, port investment, UAE resets Lebanon ties
A weakened Hezbollah and a new government in Beirut give room for the Emirates to play a big role, politically and economically, in Lebanon.
DUBAI — Following the election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Nawaf Salam to form the next government in Beirut, the United Arab Emirates is looking to start afresh in Lebanon with the reopening of its embassy and a consignment of aid to help the country.
A high-level delegation from Abu Dhabi landed in Beirut on Monday to reopen the embassy and to hold talks with Lebanon's new president. The UAE closed its embassy in Lebanon in 2021 and recalled its diplomats following criticism by a Lebanese minister over its role in Yemen.
The visit followed a call between President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Aoun.
In a readout following the call, the president said he hoped "to work together for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations and their peoples, thereby enhancing regional security and stability.”
