Salam Reaffirms Reform Drive and Sovereignty, Seeks Energy Support in Doha Talks

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha on Tuesday, expressing strong condemnation of Iran’s recent missile strike on the Al Udeid Air Base and reaffirming Lebanon’s solidarity with Qatar amid rising regional tensions.

The meeting, held at the Amiri Diwan, brought together top Lebanese and Qatari officials, with discussions focusing on bilateral ties, regional developments, and avenues for expanding cooperation. According to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the talks also included a closed-door session between the two leaders, during which they exchanged views on shared concerns and current geopolitical challenges.

In remarks following the meeting, Prime Minister Salam condemned the Iranian attack on the U.S.-run air base in Qatar, calling it “a flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty, airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.” He stressed Lebanon’s firm rejection of “any assault that threatens Qatar’s security and regional stability,” while expressing his “deep gratitude” to the Emir, the Qatari government, and people for their continued support for Lebanon.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed the Lebanese delegation and thanked Salam for his “solidarity and kind sentiments,” reiterating Qatar’s ongoing commitment to supporting Lebanon in its efforts to achieve peace, development, and prosperity.

The meeting was attended on the Qatari side by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, along with senior officials.

Representing Lebanon were Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Energy Joe Saddi, Minister of State for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki, and Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny.

At a joint press conference with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, Salam reiterated Lebanon’s appreciation for Qatar’s continuous assistance, particularly to the Lebanese Armed Forces. He announced that both countries had agreed to continue talks on Qatari support for Lebanon’s energy sector.

“We are in ongoing discussions with our Qatari brothers to secure support in the energy sector. I briefed His Highness the Emir and the Prime Minister on our progress in reforming state institutions with transparency, rebuilding public administration, and strengthening judicial independence. We are also committed to asserting state authority across the entire Lebanese territory," Salam stated.

“We must implement the ministerial statement and the Taif Agreement. As for Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and the continued occupation of five border points, we are working to rally Arab and international support to pressure Israel into withdrawal.”

“There will be no stability in Lebanon unless Israel withdraws from the border points it is still occupying,” he stressed. 

Salam voiced hope that the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel could pave the way for renewed diplomatic engagement.

“Everyone wants a nuclear-free region,” he said. 

Addressing the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, Salam noted: “Through cooperation, we have so far prevented Lebanon from being dragged into a new war amid the ongoing regional conflict. We are now looking forward to opening a new chapter of diplomatic action.”

Qatari Prime Minister said discussions focused on Lebanon’s urgent energy needs during the summer, as well as Qatar’s potential role in reconstruction efforts.

He denounced Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and expressed hope for improved Lebanese-Syrian relations.