BEIRUT, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon and Qatar discussed preparations for a bilateral government agreement to address Lebanon's energy crisis, including securing gas supplies and developing electricity-generation infrastructure, during a visit by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani to Beirut on Friday.
During a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the two sides discussed ways to advance energy cooperation and prepare an agreement between their governments to launch work toward a comprehensive solution to Lebanon's energy problems, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.
Salam expressed Lebanon's appreciation for Qatar's continued assistance to the Lebanese army and multiple health and social projects, while thanking Doha for supporting Lebanon's efforts to secure an Israeli withdrawal and extend state authority over all its territory.
The talks followed a meeting between the Qatari prime minister and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace, where energy cooperation was also a key topic.
Aoun welcomed deeper cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the energy sector, noting Qatar's willingness to help Lebanon address its electricity crisis.
The Qatari prime minister said Qatar was seeking to provide comprehensive solutions for Lebanon's energy sector, with further meetings with Salam planned to advance previously agreed projects.
He said solutions would be pursued through QatarEnergy, Qatar's state-owned energy company, as well as private-sector companies, and referred to a strategic energy project linking Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.
The Qatari prime minister reaffirmed his country's support for Lebanon, including its position on southern Lebanon, and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territory and the handover of those areas to the Lebanese army.
Aoun praised Qatar's role in promoting regional stability and thanked its leadership for continued support amid Lebanon's difficult circumstances.
The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and advance joint initiatives, with the two sides also discussing regional and international developments, including efforts to end the war in Lebanon and the wider region. ■
