Qatar and Lebanon to boost ties

Qatar and Lebanon yesterday agreed to activate the higher joint committee between the two countries and to promote economic and investment cooperation for the benefit of both sides. 
A host of bilateral and regional issues were discussed during a meeting between the Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Lebanese President General Michel Aoun at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. President Aoun arrived in Doha earlier yesterday on a two-day official visit. 
The talks were attended by the Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, and a number of ministers.
It was also attended by members of the official delegation accompanying President Aoun. During the session of official talks, they discussed a number of regional and international issues, including developments in the Middle East.
They also reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways of enhancing them. 

Qatar supports Lebanon's efforts to achieve progress and peace

Earlier, the Lebanese President arrived at the Emiri Diwan where he was accorded an official reception ceremony. 
“Qatar fully supports Lebanon to achieve political and economic progress, prosperity, stability and attain consensus between various parties. We welcome President Michel Aoun. This first visit to Qatar embodies the true shared desire to strengthen bilateral relations,” Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani tweeted yesterday.
The visit is of particular importance as it is President Aoun’s first visit to Doha since assuming power in Lebanon after a two-and-a-half year break.
It is also important as it will provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss bilateral relations and means of cementing them and the prospects for cooperation and coordination in all fields, Qatar News Agency said.
Last November, the Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Lebanon during which he handed over a written message from the Emir to President Aoun, pertaining to relations as well as an invitation to visit Qatar.
For decades, the Qatari-Lebanese relations have been full of cooperation and friendship on the basis of trust and partnership which contributed to boosting growth and development in the two countries. 
The visit of Lebanese President, described by Lebanese observers as "historic", would create an opportunity to discuss regional issues and the repercussion of crisis such as those relating to the issue of asylum, and the importance of addressing terrorism.
The Lebanese hope that the visit of President Aoun to Qatar would restore confidence in Lebanon as an investment and economic destination and as a tourist destination for GCC nationals.