Aoun to UAE Delegation: Your Visit Is a Message of Hope for Us

President of the Republic Joseph Aoun stressed the "deep historical and fraternal relations between Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates," thanking them for their unwavering support, and described the visit of the UAE business delegation to Beirut as "a message of hope and trust in Lebanon's stability and future, opening new horizons for cooperation and investment."

During his meeting with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the head of a delegation of UAE businessmen, alongside Minister of Economy and Trade Amer Boustani, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kaml Shihad, former Lebanese Minister and President of the Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Mohamed Chqir, UAE Ambassador to Lebanon Fahad Salem Saied Al Kaabi, Lebanese Ambassador to the UAE Tariq Minemeh, President of the Lebanese-Gulf UAE Business Council Wissam Aris, President of the Lebanese Business Council Wissam Dahaar, and several UAE businessmen and investors, Aoun stated that "there is no doubt that security and investment are interconnected. But as long as there is genuine will and sincere intent, challenges will not stand in our way. Lebanon possesses great potential—from its human capital and private sector to its geographic location and the Lebanese talents dispersed around the world, which can be leveraged." He expressed hope that this visit would yield constructive cooperation and bring benefits to both Lebanon and the UAE.

In the opening remarks, Minister Al Zeyoudi thanked President Aoun on behalf of the delegation for the warm hospitality and reception, conveyed greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Deputy President and Vice Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the importance of the meetings and discussions held by the delegation with Lebanese businessmen and investors, which enabled exploration of opportunities in Lebanon, and noting the significant growth in trade relations between Lebanon and the UAE in recent years. He revealed that last year’s figures were among the highest in the past 15 years, reaching $4.2 billion in non-oil trade, along with the implementation of numerous investments in Lebanon.

Minister Al Zeyoudi explained that the meetings and discussions conducted by the UAE delegation with Lebanese businessmen, company owners, and various institutions across different sectors in Lebanon were excellent, and that the presence of UAE businessmen in Beirut would play a crucial role in establishing logistical links between Lebanon, the UAE, and numerous global countries and companies, particularly within the technological framework.

He highlighted the distinct skills of Lebanese professionals, pointing out that Lebanese nationals in the UAE play a key role in developing UAE institutions through their expertise and strategic plans. He said: "We have signed numerous memoranda of understanding across various sectors, and we see that the private sector plays a very important role in execution and serves as the overarching framework for relations between the UAE and various entities in Lebanon." At the same time, he noted the positive impact of lifting the travel ban on UAE citizens to Lebanon, and emphasized the need to begin work on establishing a comprehensive economic charter agreement to serve as a framework for bilateral economic relations and government expertise exchange.

Minister Al Zeyoudi concluded by affirming that "the presence of UAE businessmen and investors in Lebanon is a positive message and clear evidence of the UAE’s affection for Lebanon and our appreciation for everything the Lebanese have done to advance the development of the UAE. This is part of the UAE’s way of repaying Lebanon’s kindness, and we look forward to working with you and are ready to act according to any guidance you provide."

President Aoun responded warmly welcoming the delegation, thanking the UAE and Gulf countries for their continuous support of Lebanon, and stating that the visit of the UAE business delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Trade, carries a message of hope for the Lebanese people and reflects confidence in Lebanon’s stability and future, opening new avenues for cooperation and investment.

He expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, stating, "who has never delayed responding to any request. This is clear proof of his love for Lebanon and of the UAE people’s affection for the Lebanese people."

Addressing the delegation, President Aoun said: "Lebanon is your second country; we invite you to invest here," reaffirming that "security and investment are interconnected, but as long as there is genuine will and sincere intent, challenges will not stand in our way. Lebanon has great potential—from its human capital and private sector to its geographic location and the Lebanese talents scattered worldwide, which can be utilized. However, it currently needs support from its Gulf brothers, especially the United Arab Emirates."

President Aoun continued: "We wish the UAE always peace, safety, and prosperity, and that it never again suffers what it has endured. We pray to God to sustain its flourishing and blessings—nation, leadership, and people alike."

Minister Boustani

In turn, Minister Boustani spoke, emphasizing the importance of this visit not only in form but also in substance, particularly since several issues and ideas were discussed, especially ways to establish a broad investment framework, noting that he will continue working on this topic in the coming period.