President Joseph Aoun concluded a 24-hour visit to Kuwait on Monday, during which the Emir of Kuwait, Mashaal al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, promised to “raise the level of diplomatic representation between Kuwait and Lebanon."
During the talks with Aoun, the Emir reaffirmed “Kuwait’s commitment to supporting Lebanon and strengthening Kuwaiti-Lebanese relations, as well as ties with the Gulf.”
For his part, Aoun thanked the Emir of Kuwait for "the affection he has shown toward Lebanon and Kuwait's support for the Lebanese people,” expressing his gratitude for Kuwait’s hospitality toward the Lebanese community residing in the country.
A First Step Toward Restoring Normal Relations
In practical terms, the emirate’s decision to elevate the level of its diplomatic representation means the appointment of a new ambassador to Beirut, following the departure of the former ambassador Abdel Aal Al-Qinai in June 2022.
However, no information has been provided regarding a possible lifting of the travel ban currently imposed on Kuwaiti nationals visiting Lebanon.
Lebanon-Kuwait relations are thus entering a new phase. Concrete measures are expected, including facilitating the entry of Lebanese citizens into Kuwait and encouraging the return of Kuwaiti nationals to Lebanon.
The development of bilateral relations is expected to focus on two main areas: tourism and investment. However, such progress remains contingent upon Lebanon’s ability to carry out serious reforms and ensure that the use and possession of weapons are restricted solely to state forces.
This was clearly reflected in the Emir’s remarks that his country “stands by Lebanon and supports its security, stability, and all measures taken by the state to assert its sovereignty.”
“We support the efforts of the Quintet Group to resolve Lebanon’s political crisis, implement economic reforms, and support the army so it can continue fulfilling its role,” he added, while condemning the ongoing Israeli raids on Lebanese territory. The Emir of Kuwait called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
For his part, Aoun praised the results of the meeting: "What I heard from the Emir of Kuwait reflects great interest and deep care for Lebanon," he said in a press statement. "His words also reflect a profound love for the Lebanese people, equal to the affection the Lebanese hold for the Kuwaitis."
Earlier, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Sabah assured Aoun that “Kuwait will continue to support Lebanon in all forms,” and that “the Kuwaiti government remains willing to respond to assistance requests made by Beirut.”
Addressing security concerns, Sheikh Fahd Al-Sabah emphasized the effective cooperation between Lebanese and Kuwaiti security services, particularly in combating drug trafficking. He noted that information sharing between the two countries had helped thwart several smuggling attempts into Kuwait.
President Aoun, who is pursuing a diplomatic campaign to reintegrate Lebanon into the Arab world, has expressed hope that his visit would lead to tangible outcomes, particularly the return of Kuwaiti nationals to Lebanon, which he described as their “second homeland.”
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