Abu Dhabi crown prince pledges support for Lebanon

The United Arab Emirates supports Lebanon and wishes for the formation of a new government in the country, said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al Hariri during a meeting at the Qasr Al Bahr Palace in Abu Dhabi on Friday. The Abu Dhabi crown prince was briefed on the latest developments in Lebanon and efforts related to the formation of the new government. Sheikh Mohammed also expressed his sincere wishes for national reconciliation to be prioritised and differences to be resolved in order to overcome the challenges besetting Lebanon. 

During the meeting held at Al Bahr Palace, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Hariri discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them at all levels, especially in the economic, investment and development fields in the best interests of the two fraternal countries. 

They reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, the GCC and the Arabs and their implications for regional and international security. They also addressed Arab, regional and global issues of mutual interest. 

Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that the UAE led by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is keen to boost relations with Lebanon at various levels and provide support to preserve its security and stability and fulfil the aspirations of its people to achieve development. 

Hariri expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its continued support to Lebanon as it faces challenges, and stressed that this support reflects the UAE's continued focus on its relations with Lebanon and its people. 

As reported by the official Emirati news agency WAM, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, in addition to a number of regional and international issues of concern, including the global battle against COVID-19. For his part, Al Hariri congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the successful mission to Mars and appreciated the UAE's position towards Lebanon on all fronts, including its support to his country to stop the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.