International Community Welcomes Lebanon’s New Government
President Joseph Aoun met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and PM Nawaf Salam at the presidential palace in Baabda before announcing the formation of a new government on February 8, 2025. ©Lebanese Presidency/AFP

The formation of Lebanon’s new government under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has drawn international support, with key diplomatic figures emphasizing the need for reforms and stability.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL), Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, described the government’s team announcement as a "new and brighter chapter" for the country, reaffirming its commitment to working with the government to implement key reforms and uphold UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

The US Embassy in Beirut welcomed the proposed cabinet, stating, "The Lebanese people deserve a government that will rebuild Lebanese state institutions, fight corruption and implement needed reforms." The embassy also urged the drafting of a ministerial statement to "help Lebanon turn the corner and chart a path toward achieving these objectives."

The European Union's High Representative, Kaja Kallas, also issued a statement congratulating Lebanon on its new government's formation. She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Lebanon, noting, "We stand ready to support the new government in advancing a reform-oriented and forward-looking agenda, and to relaunch the EU-Lebanon Partnership, including by holding an Association Council this year."

Finally, Kallas congratulated Joe (Youssef) Rajji for his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, stating, "I look forward to engaging with him."

European Union ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele also expressed support for the new government, highlighting Prime Minister Salam’s commitment to reforms. "Reforms are necessary for Lebanon’s future, and we will continue to support them. We count on all political actors to not only adopt but also implement reforms," she said.

Meanwhile, the French ambassador, Hervé Magro, described the new cabinet as a "reform and rescue" government that marks the beginning of a broader effort to strengthen the rule of law. He reaffirmed France’s readiness “to support Prime Minister Salam and his team” in this endeavor. 

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