Aoun to Ministers: Let's Seize the Opportunity... Energy Minister Has Positive Data

President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun began the Council of Ministers meeting by saying: "It gives me pleasure to start the session by highlighting a positive development that brings great hope to the hearts of Lebanese citizens—the laying of the foundation stone today for expanding the Port of Beirut. This is a good omen for everyone, contributed to by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, and we hope it will be followed by further steps in the same framework. We must recall that we previously requested all ministries to prepare projects we could present to the United Arab Emirates. We have found full receptiveness from Emirati officials and business leaders, who expressed interest in investing in Lebanon—two delegations have already visited us for this purpose.

And I ask you (ministers) to act with maximum speed and seize the opportunities available to us to serve all Lebanese people, without falling into narrow-minded rivalries. There are those eager and willing to help us, and we welcome this. All we need is coordination among the relevant ministries to take advantage of every opportunity so that the desired projects can move forward. We simply need to harness this positive momentum directed toward us for Lebanon’s benefit. Today, I briefed the Minister of Energy on positive data regarding electricity—we must make use of it.

Regarding the budget, the successive sessions you hold to study it, ensuring its completion within the constitutionally defined period, contribute to greater constitutional order, especially since this is the second time a budget draft is being submitted within the constitutional deadline.

He said: "We have received appeals from our people in Nabatieh, Sour, and Arbaa Salim. I want to address them directly: We have listened to your calls, and we stand with you. We cannot possibly be distant from you. Nor can we do anything less than exert our utmost efforts to remain beside you and assist you, and provide all possible means to sustain you. It is time for the state to return to the south. This is our shared responsibility and our duty toward our people. The south is an essential part of Lebanon, and every ministry must deliver what it has to confirm our unwavering support for our people without any shortfall.