Marqos: Lebanese-Emirati Relations Enter New Phase of Cooperation and Partnership

Minister of Media Boulus Marqos affirmed that "Lebanese-Emirati relations have entered a new phase of cooperation and partnership," noting that "the current momentum presents an opportunity to move from aid and trade exchange to direct investments, reconstruction, and revival."

Responding to a question, he told Sky News Arabia that "the Lebanese-Emirati Economic Forum, with a high-level Emirati delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, reflects a renewed chapter in building trust between the UAE and Lebanon," adding that "the Emirati delegation's visit is a result of the return of state foundations to Lebanon and the rebuilding of trust during this presidential term and with this government."

Marqos clarified that "this phase began with the visit of President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun to the UAE on April 30, 2025," pointing out that "the visit led to lifting the travel ban on Emirati citizens to Lebanon, followed by the resumption of receiving Emirati flights at Beirut International Airport Rafic Hariri, which he personally welcomed upon their arrival," noting that "the visit of Prime Minister Dr. Nouf Salam to the UAE, about a month later, followed by his new visit at the beginning of February 2026, propelled relations into a fruitful trajectory."

He stressed the "importance of the Emirati market for Lebanon, given its position among Lebanon’s key export markets, as well as the UAE being a 'gateway to the Gulf, Asia, and Africa.'"

He said relations are no longer limited to aid, "which the UAE has never withheld from Lebanon, especially humanitarian assistance provided after war cycles," but now carry new investment dimensions.

He added: "We have moved beyond the stage of trade to one of partnership," explaining that "investment prospects between the two countries are promising, and now is the right time to enter the Lebanese market, as Lebanon is entering a recovery phase, having begun to emerge from the financial, monetary, and banking crisis that devastated the country, awaiting the desired level of stability."

Marqos continued that "this presidential term is characterized by clarity of vision and goals, placing Lebanon on the 'path to solutions,' despite significant challenges and the aftermath of the recent war."

He believes "the current phase is ideal for investment, as the Lebanese market is undergoing a process of rebuilding trust, coinciding with the gradual return of the state to asserting control and strengthening its international presence."

He highlighted "reforms initiated by the government, including ongoing banking reforms not yet at their peak, along with a package of measures," clarifying that "investors need assurance of a safe and stable environment based on several elements, including judicial independence and freedom and integrity of the media, which Lebanon excels in," noting "the modernization of this sector following the recent issuance of the new media law." He said: "The new law protects the freedoms we value while simultaneously safeguarding the investment environment."

He pointed to "a growing awareness in Lebanon of the importance of enhancing communication with the outside world," citing "the opening of foreign markets, including the Saudi market, to Lebanese products, and the return of exports to the Gulf due to the efforts of the Lebanese government and cooperation among Gulf states."

Marqos emphasized there exists a "natural bridge" between Lebanon and the UAE based on human ties, particularly due to the large number of Lebanese working in sectors such as economy, business, and media within the UAE.

He said: "Lebanese workers there contribute to managing media institutions and advancing progress, feeling at home while respecting the laws and regulations in place."

He added that "Lebanon seeks to close the chapter on war, return displaced persons to their villages, and rebuild those communities," expressing hope for "generous Emirati contributions toward return, revival, and reconstruction."

He confirmed that relations between the two countries "have not been better in the past twenty years than they are under the current presidential term," noting that "President Joseph Aoun’s visit and the subsequent visits by Prime Minister Nouf Salam and ministers laid the foundation for this advancement."

He explained he has visited the UAE multiple times "to strengthen media cooperation," affirming "the commitment of the Lebanese presidency and government to maintaining strong relations and eliminating any obstacles that might hinder the development of investment and trade collaboration."

He concluded by reaffirming that "the coming phase will open doors for smart investments capable of contributing to Lebanon’s reconstruction, revival, and the return of institutions, while leveraging the UAE’s leading regional experience."