Qatar’s state news agency reported that Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab arrived in Qatar on late Sunday. This is his first visit abroad since he taking office. Hassan Diab was accompanied by his adviser Khodr Taleb and the Chief of Protocol and Public Relations of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Lahoud Lahoud.
In his arrival, Hassan Diab was welcomed by Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al Muraikhi, and the Chargé d’Affairs of the Lebanese Embassy in Doha, Ambassador Farah Berri. According to the report, the visit will take two days. Within the scope of the visit, it is expected that the Lebanese Prime Minister will come together with senior-level Qatari officials, including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
In the first round of his trip, Hassan Diab held two separate meetings with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Defense Minister Khalid bin Mohammad Al Attiyah. Qatar’s state-run news agency reported that both meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Speaking to Qatari media, the Lebanese Prime Minister’s advisor, Khodr Taleb, stated that the meetings will concentrate on Qatari help for easing the multi-dimensional crises that Lebanon’s people have been experiencing. In his statement, Taleb also reiterated his country’s gratefulness for Qatar’s continuous support, particularly in the hard times that Lebanon has been going through.
Lebanon is experiencing monetary depreciation. The country’s currency has lost almost 90% of its value against the dollar. This situation has caused a dramatic increase in the prices of basic rations, as well. Besides, the country also has to face a fuel shortage that led to power cuts in many neighborhoods in the capital and its surroundings.
Also, it was reported that Qatar has sent vessels carrying aid to Lebanon on Friday.
