Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has affirmed that Qatar will continue to support Lebanon across various sectors, particularly following the election of the president, the restoration of stability and the regular functioning of constitutional institutions. He expressed his hope for a swift end to the war in the south, affirming the importance of implementing Resolution 1701 and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territory. He also confirmed Doha’s commitment to supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, in line with the directives of the Emir of Qatar, particularly following the formation of the new government.  

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani’s remarks came after his meeting with the Lebanese president, General Joseph Aoun, at the presidential palace, marking his first visit to Lebanon since the country’s recent political changes, most notably the election of Joseph Aoun as resident and the appointment of Judge Nawaf Salam to form the government.

In a media briefing, responding to a question from bnm IntelliNews regarding avenues for cooperation and economic investment, Al Thani asserted that “the State of Qatar is always present and seeks, by all means, to fulfil its duty towards the brotherly Lebanese people, as it does with all its brethren in the region.” He expressed his hope for the swift formation of the Lebanese government to facilitate discussions on economic matters and to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries based on mutual interests. Regarding Qatari investments in Lebanon, he stated that Doha is awaiting the formation of the Lebanese government to assess the sectors where Lebanon requires support, with the aim of establishing a partnership founded on shared benefits.

Commenting on the significance of this visit, Lebanese journalist and media professional May Farhat told bnm IntelliNews that the most noteworthy aspect of the Qatari prime minister’s visit to Lebanon was President Joseph Aoun’s appreciation of Qatar’s role in supporting Lebanon’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector. He expressed Lebanon’s aspiration to resume exploration activities soon in collaboration with TotalEnergies. Al Thani affirmed Doha's commitment to providing Lebanon with energy supplies for power generation, Farhat stated.

She added that this indicates President Aoun, since assuming office, has been working towards the return of TotalEnergies to Lebanon. It appears that he has requested Qatari assistance in facilitating the company’s resumption of gas exploration, particularly in Block 9 (Block 9 is situated alongside the newly delineated maritime border between Lebanon and Israel).

Farhat noted that Qatar has also played a significant role in several investment projects within the electricity sector, aiming to help Lebanon overcome its energy crisis.  It is hoped that Qatar will reactivate these investment projects so that Lebanon can finally benefit from them under this new administration.

Farhat concluded: “Over the past two years, Lebanon’s political class, along with private fuel companies and electricity suppliers, blocked a Qatari offer in 2023 and 2024 that proposed the construction of three renewable energy plants at zero cost to Lebanon. This was the latest investment initiative that Qatar attempted to implement in Lebanon but was thwarted by political figures who benefited from the electricity sector, which has long been a major contributor to Lebanon’s public debt." 

From his perspective, Qatari political analyst Dr Ali Al-Hail highlighted the importance of this visit, stating that Qatar “considers Lebanon one of its key foreign policy priorities.” He noted that for over six years, Qatar has been providing monthly support of $5.6mn to the Lebanese Army and played a role in backing General Joseph Aoun’s candidacy for the presidency.

Speaking to bnm IntelliNews, he explained that Doha supported Aoun due to Lebanon’s prolonged presidential vacuum and Qatar’s deep understanding of the country’s internal dynamics. He stated: “Qatar was convinced that selecting the Army Commander would be a neutral choice, as he stands outside sectarian affiliations.” He added: “Qatar made the right bet, and General Joseph Aoun was appointed president.”

Al-Hail described the Qatari prime minister’s visit to Beirut as “a consolidation and reinforcement of Qatar’s support for Lebanon.” He emphasised that Qatar finds it difficult to witness an Arab army collapse, and when it saw the Lebanese Armed Forces in need of support, Doha stepped in to assist.

He did not rule out the possibility of seeing significant Qatari investments in Lebanon shortly, covering a wide range of sectors, including tourism. He concluded that Qatar and Lebanon are committed to these projects and agreements, with both countries placing great trust in one another.