Lebanon's Hariri in UAE for second visit in two weeks

The Lebanese Prime Minister-designate seeks to rally foreign support for his country, which suffers a political stalemate amid stalled government formation and severe economic crisis.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab Staff

20 February, 2021

Bin Zayed expressed support for Lebanon's government formation [Getty]

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Friday made his second visit to the UAE in less than two weeks, as he seeks to rally foreign support for his country, which suffers a political crisis amid a stalled government formation and a severe economic crisis.

Hariri met with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and briefed him on cabinet formation and the latest developments in Lebanon.

According to a statement issued by Hariri's office, "bilateral relations between the two countries and a number of regional issues were discussed, in addition to the coronavirus pandemic."

Bin Zayed expressed his wishes for "the success of the task of forming a Lebanese government that takes into account the national interest, overcomes differences and is able to meet the various challenges that surround the country".

Hariri also congratulated bin Zayed on Abu Dhabi’s successful "Hope Probe" mission in reaching Mars' orbit.

This followed Hariri's two-day visit to Doha on Wednesday, where he met Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani.

Al Thani emphasised Doha's support for Lebanon, urging that Beirut's political parties "prioritise national interest" and act "swiftly to form a new government" capable of addressing the multiple crises facing the country.

Hariri, the Future Movement leader, was tasked with forming a government in Lebanon after former Prime Minister-designate Mustapha Adib resigned in September, six days after a devastating port explosion shook Beirut.

He has struggled to assemble a cabinet to share power with all Lebanese parties, including Iran-aligned Hezbollah.

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