Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held high-level talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Wednesday, in what both leaders described as a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral ties.

The talks began with an expanded meeting at the Amiri Diwan, followed by a closed-door session between the two heads of state. The visit concluded with an official lunch hosted in Aoun’s honor.

During the discussions, President Aoun thanked the Emir for Qatar’s ongoing support for Lebanon across various sectors. In response, Sheikh Tamim said that Aoun’s recent election and the formation of a new government present a renewed opportunity to expand Doha’s assistance.

Aoun raised concerns over mounting regional tensions, particularly in southern Lebanon, and reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army is fully implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

“However, the ongoing Israeli occupation hinders the army’s full deployment, especially in light of repeated acts of aggression,” Aoun was quoted as saying.

The Qatari leader described Aoun’s visit as “important and historic” for advancing bilateral relations.

“What matters to us is seeing Lebanon stable,” Sheikh Tamim said. “There are favorable conditions for that, both internally and externally, and Qatar stands ready to support Lebanon in electricity, energy, and other sectors — in addition to our ongoing support for the army.”

The two leaders also underscored the critical importance of preserving civil peace in Lebanon. They emphasized the need to uphold the commitments outlined in Aoun’s presidential inaugural address, particularly the principle that all arms must remain exclusively under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese State.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun landed in Qatar on Tuesday evening for his first official trip to the Gulf nation, as part of Beirut’s broader push to revive regional partnerships and seek vital assistance in the face of ongoing economic and political turmoil.