The UAE Embassy in Beirut has officially reopened and resumed its work
The UAE has reopened its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, as reported by the state news agency WAM on Friday.
Embassy Reopening
Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that reopening the embassy is an important step to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Lebanon. He also mentioned that this move reflects the strong ties between the two nations and opens up opportunities for collaboration in different areas.
In January, WAM announced the UAE’s plan to reopen its embassy after Joseph Aoun was elected as Lebanon’s new president. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Aoun on his election and expressed hope for working together to benefit both countries. Both leaders agreed on the steps needed to reopen the embassy.
The Lebanese president also emphasized his commitment to strengthening relations with the UAE and appreciated the UAE’s support for Lebanon.
Previous Closure
The UAE closed its embassy in Lebanon in 2021 after former Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi criticized the UAE and other Gulf countries over their role in the Yemen war.
In October 2023, the UAE announced plans to reopen the embassy following a meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Lebanon’s New President
In January, Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, ending over a year without a head of state. Aoun became the 14th president of Lebanon after receiving 99 votes in the second round of voting, with support from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
Lebanon’s political system requires the president to be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker a Shia Muslim. This system had delayed the election after the end of Michel Aoun’s term in 2022, leaving the country without a president or a fully functioning cabinet.
Published: 27th January 2025
For more article like this please follow our social media Twitter, Linkedin & Instagram
Also Read:
Saudi FM urges lifting Syria sanctions to boost aid, investment
PIF invests $200M in Saudi Arabia’s first global ETF
Nassef Sawiris buys 5.84% Orascom stake from brother for $8.9M