Category: Key Issues

Caretaker Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayad, recently participated in a conference titled “The Role of Gas in the Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Basin” in Paris, organized by the Mediterranean Energy and Climate Organization (OMEC).

The event drew high-level attendees including Egyptian Petroleum Minister, Tarek El Mala, and representatives from the European Commission.

During his speech, Minister Fayad underscored the critical need for stability in the Mediterranean as a foundational element for achieving energy transition goals. He emphasized the imperative of ending the conflict in Gaza, not only for humanitarian reasons but also to enhance energy security in the region.

Fayad also discussed Lebanon’s gas sector, highlighting the ongoing third licensing round which includes nine out of ten blocks.

Notably, exploration in Block 9 has drawn significant interest from a consortium comprising Total, Eni, and Qatar Energy.

Furthermore, Minister Fayad elaborated on Lebanon’s recent energy pol
icy shifts, including the removal of subsidies on oil derivatives and electricity prices. He noted how this shift has propelled the renewable energy sector forward, evidenced by the recent approval of the Distributed Renewable Energy Law by the Parliament.

On the international front, Fayad highlighted Lebanon’s participation in the MED-GEM project, funded by the EU, aimed at developing a green hydrogen strategy. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among Mediterranean countries, stressing the significance of addressing shared energy infrastructure challenges.

Minister Fayad is expected to return to Beirut following the conclusion of the conference.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Kataeb Leader Samy Gemayel received Member of the European Parliament Geoffroy Didier.

Talks focused on the regional situation and its repercussions on Lebanon.

The meeting was attended by Kataeb Political Bureau Member Alain Hakim, as well as Head of the Kataeb Foreign Affairs Department Marwan Abdallah and Member of the Foreign Affairs Department Lea Ibrahim.

During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the danger of war on Lebanon and the importance of expediting the election of a sovereign and reformist president to restore political normalcy.

Gemayel reiterated Hezbollah’s responsibility for dragging Lebanon into war and imposing the “arena’s unity” equation.

Talks also highlighted the Syrian refugees file and the importance of the European Union’s role in securing their safe return to their country.

For his part, Didier expressed his support for the Kataeb Party, affirming the partnership between the the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Kataeb Party.

He also pledged to continue prioritizing Le
banese affairs and rejecting any alteration of Lebanon’s identity.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Caretaker Minister of Information, Ziad Al-Makary, on Wednesday welcomed the Ambassador of Argentina to Lebanon, Maria Virginia Ruiz Quintar, with whom he discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and the possibility of signing media cooperation protocols between the Ministry of Information and Argentine news agencies to enhance communication between Lebanese residents and expatriates.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions today with His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of the State of Kuwait, to review the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and their peoples. Their Highnesses also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of shared interest.

The meeting took place at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where His Highness Sheikh Mohamed welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mishal and his delegation to their second home, the UAE. The President extended his best wishes to the Kuwaiti Emir in leading his country and people to continued progress and prosperity.

Their Highnesses discussed various aspects of the relationship between the two countries, focusing particularly on the economic, trade, investment, and developmental sectors. They noted that collaboration across these areas has seen significant growth in recent years, in line with the sustainable development goals of both countries and their
aspirations for ongoing progress.

The two leaders explored the importance of fostering collaboration across the Gulf in response to the challenges confronting both the region and the wider world. Their discussions centred on pursuing the shared objectives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and their peoples, with a particular focus on bolstering regional security and stability. Their Highnesses highlighted that the UAE and Kuwait stand as key supporters of these collective efforts, affirming their dedication to reinforcing this cooperative framework for the benefit of all GCC communities.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed noted that the Emir of Kuwait’s Gulf tour demonstrates his commitment to promoting cooperation among Gulf countries, strengthening regional unity, and supporting the shared aspirations of the Gulf peoples for unity and collaboration, especially in light of the current regional difficulties. He reaffirmed that the UAE is fully supportive of this approach and considers it an essential p
art of its strategic policy.

His Highness the President also expressed his confidence in the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as he continues to guide Kuwait along the path of progress established by the nation’s founders. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed remarked that their significant achievements have had an impact not just in Kuwait but across the entire Gulf region, leaving a lasting legacy, especially in education and healthcare. This enduring contribution, he noted, will forever be cherished and remembered by the people of the UAE and the broader Gulf community.

The two sides emphasised that the relationship between their countries and citizens stems from a longstanding brotherhood, anchored in mutual respect and understanding. This connection is further strengthened by their joint commitment to common goals and a united future. Their Highnesses reiterated their keenness to deepen these bonds to support both the UAE and Kuwait in achieving their shared objecti
ves.

His Highness the Emir of Kuwait wrote an entry in the Qasr Al Watan VIP guestbook, expressing his appreciation to the UAE’s leadership, government, and people for the warm reception and generous hospitality received by himself and his accompanying delegation. This hospitality, he said, reflected the deep-rooted ties of friendship between the two countries and their people. His Highness affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing and developing bilateral relations in all areas, praying to God to maintain security, stability, and prosperity in the UAE under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

His Highness the UAE President hosted a luncheon for His Highness Sheikh Mishal and the Kuwaiti delegation, which was comprised of several sheikhs and senior officials.

The meeting and luncheon were attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology; Jassem Mohammed Buataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Finance Department and Member of the Executive Council; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Member of the Executive Council; Faisal Al Bannai,
Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EDGE, and Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Tripoli: The Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, Al-Siddiq El-Kabeer, met yesterday at his office with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia to Libya, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Shehri.

The bank stated today that the meeting came as part of Al-Shehri’s resumption of his diplomatic work in Libya and preparations for the reopening of the headquarters of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Libya.

The meeting discussed the economic and financial affairs and general conditions of the region, in addition to the prospects for economic cooperation between the two countries.

Source: Libyan News Agency