Arab unity critical in addressing current challenges: Lebanese president

BEIRUT

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Friday that Arab unity is critical in addressing current challenges, asserting that once a government is formed, Lebanon will begin communication with Gulf countries to lay new groundwork for cooperation.

Aoun made these remarks after receiving a Kuwaiti delegation led by Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, according to the official news agency.

"After the formation of the new government, we will reach out to Gulf nations to establish new frameworks for cooperation based on the principles outlined in the inaugural address, which set the foundations for state-building," Aoun was quoted by the news agency as telling the delegation.

Talking to the Kuwaiti delegation, Aoun added: "I am confident that you will not hesitate to support your brothers in Lebanon, who eagerly await your return to be among your family and loved ones."

Yahya, for his part, expressed solidarity with Lebanon, saying, "Our visit is a gesture of support and affirmation of our commitment to stand by Lebanon."

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti delegation also met with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the government headquarters and later held discussions with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri at his residence in Ayn al-Tineh, west of Beirut.

Yahya's one-day visit comes amid an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah since late November and an Israeli ceasefire with the Palestinian group Hamas, which began Sunday.

In a related development, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi arrived in Beirut early Friday for an official visit, during which he is set to meet with Lebanese officials.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi