Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting Lebanon in rebuilding after the recent destructive conflict between Israel and Hezbollah but emphasized that aid would be contingent on the formation of a new government.

During his visit to Beirut on Tuesday, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani assured Lebanese officials that Doha would play a significant role in reconstruction efforts. However, he stressed that meaningful economic support and rebuilding initiatives would be discussed only after a new government is in place.

“When it comes to economic support and reconstruction, there is no doubt that the State of Qatar will be there,” Al-Thani stated following his meeting with President Joseph Aoun. “We look forward to ongoing efforts to form a government, and after that, we will discuss these files.” He also expressed Qatar’s desire to establish “a strategic partnership” with Lebanon.

Al-Thani also called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers be the sole security forces operating in southern Lebanon. He underscored the need for Israeli troops to “adhere to the agreement on withdrawal from southern Lebanon” and condemned what he described as ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27, 2024, ending a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Beyond reconstruction, Al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting Lebanon’s armed forces, which continue to grapple with severe financial constraints.

“Qatar will continue to provide humanitarian aid and extend support to Lebanon’s military institutions,” he said.

President Aoun expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s longstanding support, particularly in times of crisis.

“Qatar has always stood by Lebanon and assisted its people in difficult circumstances,” he remarked.

He also highlighted Qatar’s pivotal role in Lebanon’s economic recovery, particularly in the energy sector.

“We highly appreciate Qatar’s contributions, particularly in the development of Lebanon’s oil and gas sector, and look forward to resuming exploration activities soon in collaboration with France’s TotalEnergies,” Aoun stated.

Qatar has been involved in Lebanon’s energy industry through a 2023 agreement that allowed its state-owned QatarEnergy to join TotalEnergies and Italy’s ENI in a consortium to explore offshore oil and gas reserves. These efforts aim to tap into Lebanon’s potential resources, offering a crucial boost to the country’s struggling economy.

As part of his diplomatic visit, Al-Thani also met with Speaker Nabih Berri Caretaker PM Najib Mikati, and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, who has been tasked with forming a new government.