UAE reopens embassy in Lebanon after more than three years of absence

According to the national news agency WAM on January 13, a high-ranking delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in Lebanon to prepare for the reopening of the country's embassy in Beirut after more than three years of closure.

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Beirut, Lebanon. (Source: AFP)

The delegation arrived in Lebanon on January 12, just a day after UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun agreed to take the necessary steps to reopen the embassy.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said the move “reflects the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and their peoples.”

The statement affirmed the UAE's "steadfast" stance towards Lebanon's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its support for its people.

According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs , the reopening of the embassy is part of “strengthening bilateral relations” and Abu Dhabi’s “sustainable” commitment to supporting the Lebanese people in many areas.

In October 2021, the UAE withdrew diplomats and closed its embassy in Beirut after Lebanon's then-information minister criticized the Saudi-led coalition in the conflict in Yemen.

The Saudi foreign minister at the time pointed out the dominant role of Hezbollah in Lebanese politics. However, after more than a year of conflict with Israel, most of Hezbollah's senior leadership was eliminated and many of the group's strategic strongholds across Lebanon were left in ruins.

According to new Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, many countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are ready to restore diplomatic relations with Beirut.

In a televised speech, Lebanese Parliament Vice President Elias Bou Saab affirmed: "The UAE will reopen its embassy soon. We have hope to start a new chapter in Lebanon."

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/uae-mo-lai-dai-su-quan-tai-lebanon-sau-hon-ba-nam-vang-bong-300708.html