The State of Qatar has been at the forefront of countries supporting Lebanon, which has been experiencing an economic crisis over the past few years. Qatar has, in particular, supported the Lebanese army with financial aid and food shipments. Qatar is providing $60m to the Lebanese army to help in the payment of salaries of its personnel. Doha has so far provided two tranches of the financial aid to the Lebanese army. Qatar also announced in July 2021 that it will support the Lebanese army with 70 tonnes of food per month, for a period of a year.
At the International Conference on Assistance and Support to Beirut and the Lebanese People in Paris in 2020, Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had announced $50m to help and support Beirut and the Lebanese people following the Beirut port explosion. Addressing the conference, the Amir said: “Lebanon cannot get over this dire circumstance on its own. Facing this crisis and overcoming its dangerous negative repercussions depends on strengthening national unity, unifying and intensifying governmental and societal efforts in Lebanon and providing all necessary forms of aid, from relief to restoration and reconstruction, by the international community.”
Qatar also sent an equipped team from the Qatari International Search and Rescue Group and established field hospitals following the port blast.
Praising Qatar’s commitment to support Lebanon and its army in light of the difficult economic challenges, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun said the grant is being distributed equally among all military personnel.
The Qatar Fund for Development has also provided financial support to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health by covering the fuel expenses for several hospitals and health facilities in Lebanon. The first two batches of Qatari aid arrived in July this year, covering about 991,000 litres of fuels distributed to more than 40 government hospitals and centers for elderly care and health facilities.
The aid will ensure sustainability of healthcare in Lebanon and will protect health facilities from fuel shortages. This is also crucial as more Lebanese have turned to public hospitals due to inflation and high costs of living.
Qatar’s financial assistance will help Lebanon and its army withstand the challenges as the financial troubles linger. Qatar’s continued support also shows the strength of bilateral relations and affirms the country’s commitment to the stability of Lebanon.
