Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday met with Caretaker Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, at the Grand Serail.

The meeting focused on Lebanon’s current challenges, notably the recent Israeli aggressions in southern Lebanon, accompanied by war threats from Israel against Lebanon.

Discussions also covered Lebanon’s diplomatic communications, particularly last week’s engagements with the President of Cyprus and the Cypriot Foreign Minister.

These efforts aimed to reinforce the long-standing friendship and mutual support between Lebanon and Cyprus, highlighted by Cyprus’s ongoing political and diplomatic backing for Lebanon in European and international forums. This support was underscored by the Cypriot President’s visit to Lebanon this year and his advocacy for Lebanon’s stance on the Syrian refugee issue before the European Commission.

Prime Minister Mikati emphasized the Cypriot President’s understanding of Lebanon’s unique circumstances and the severe challenges it faces, especially the
repercussions of the Gaza conflict on the region, particularly southern Lebanon.

Mikati also lauded the Cypriot presidential statement issued last week, which underscored Cyprus’s commitment to maintaining excellent relations with Lebanon and called on all Lebanese factions to consider Lebanon’s interests and its international relations.

Mikati later met with Public Works and Transport Minister, Ali Hamieh. Following the meeting, Hamieh reported briefing Mikati on an article in the British Telegraph concerning Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, which targeted the airport’s reputation.

The pair also discussed the legal actions Lebanon plans to undertake, as the article is seen as part of a psychological war against Lebanon aimed at tarnishing the nation’s image.

Hamieh added that the Lebanese state will invite all ambassadors for an on-site visit to the airport.

In a meeting with Health Minister, Dr. Firass Abiad, Mikati was briefed on the former’s recent trip to Australia, where he attended a g
lobal health security conference-the first in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abiad highlighted the strain on Lebanon’s health system, exacerbated by the presence of over 1.5 million Syrian refugees, stressing that this burden requires international shared responsibility as per UN charters. He called for support to sustain Lebanon’s healthcare efforts.

Moreover, Prime Minister Mikati held discussions with Defense Minister Maurice Sleem, and separately with MP Alain Aoun on issues related to Baabda’s local demands and living conditions. He also met with George Attieh, President of the Central Inspection Board.

Mikati separately received former MP Bahia Hariri and her sons Nader and Ahmed, who expressed their gratitude for his condolences following the death of Mustafa Ahmad Hariri.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon