What were the key files discussed by the Lebanese parliamentary delegation in Poland?

The Lebanese parliamentary delegation, comprising Fadlallah, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee at Parliament, MPs Simon Abi Ramia and Mark Daou, accompanied by Lebanese Ambassador George Faddoul, began its visit to the Polish capital, Warsaw, following an official invitation from the Polish Sejm. The trip aims to enhance bilateral parliamentary relations and open new horizons for cooperation between Lebanon and Poland.

The delegation started its first day with a meeting with Paweł Kowal, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Sejm. They discussed several issues of mutual interest, primarily the situation in Lebanon and southern Lebanon, Lebanese-Polish relations, and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two legislative institutions.

The Lebanese delegation thanked the Polish side for its continued contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) operating in southern Lebanon, appreciating Poland's role in "supporting stability and peace in Lebanon."

The delegation also presented to the head of the Polish Foreign Affairs Committee the parliamentary petition signed by more than 86 Lebanese MPs, calling for the extension of UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, emphasizing "the importance of continuing this international mission during this critical phase."

Discussions also covered the possibility of Poland contributing to supporting the Lebanese Army and Lebanese security agencies, through the path launched by France in coordination with several concerned countries, aiming to enhance the capabilities of the Lebanese Army and enable it to fulfill its role in protecting borders and safeguarding Lebanese sovereignty.

The delegation requested that the Polish Parliament stand alongside Lebanon during this phase, particularly in supporting its sovereignty and respecting its borders, and actively contributing to enhancing the capabilities of the Lebanese Army and security agencies, which helps consolidate stability and end the Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon.

They also discussed ways to develop parliamentary relations between the Lebanese Parliament and the Polish Sejm, and to enhance communication and coordination between parliamentary committees in both countries, contributing to building a broader partnership on the political and economic levels.

As part of the economic aspect of the visit, the Lebanese delegation held a meeting with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, attended by the specialized working team for the Middle East region and several officials concerned with international cooperation and investment.

Discussions during the meeting focused on potential cooperation and investment between Lebanon and Poland, particularly in infrastructure and public utilities sectors, with emphasis on the Port of Beirut, the Port of Tripoli, and the Qlayaat Airport, which is expected to open soon. Additionally, they explored cooperation possibilities in energy, telecommunications, digital transformation, and agriculture.

They also discussed the possibility of Polish companies and investments playing a role in rehabilitation and development projects in Lebanon, leveraging Polish expertise in several vital sectors. Furthermore, they examined the potential for Lebanon to serve as a platform or corridor for Polish investments towards regional markets, thereby strengthening Lebanon's economic position and creating new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

This visit comes within the framework of the Lebanese parliamentary delegation's efforts to expand its network of relations with Poland and enhance political support for Lebanon, parallel to opening new channels for economic and investment cooperation, serving the common interests of both countries and reinforcing Lebanon's presence in its relations with Central European nations.