2 weeks Ago By Qatar Tribune
Qatar tribune QNA Beirut A number of Lebanese ministers and officials have welcomed the initiative of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to renew Qatar’s grant in support of Lebanese army. They affirmed that the move represents a significant contribution to the military institution’s ability to carry out its national duties, particularly amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis. During the recent visit of President of the Republic of Lebanon HE General Joseph Aoun to Qatar, HH the Amir announced the renewal of Qatar’s $60 million grant to cover the salaries of Lebanese army personnel, along with the provision of 162 military vehicles.
The support aims to bolster the army’s capacity to maintain stability and safeguard Lebanon’s borders across its entire territory. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA) in Beirut, Minister of Defense HE General Michel Mansi praised the Qatari initiative, stressing that the renewed grant reflects Qatar’s sustained commitment to supporting Lebanon and its institutions - chief among them, the military. Mansi emphasized that Qatar support directly enables the Lebanese Armed Forces to fulfill their national role, especially in upholding security and sovereignty across the country.
He also highlighted the strong and longstanding relationship between Lebanon and Qatar, marked by brotherhood and cooperation across various fields. He praised Qatar’s leading role in supporting Lebanon, particularly during critical junctures, and conveyed the Lebanese people’s profound gratitude for this continued support in the face of the nation’s economic and financial hardships. For his part, Lebanon’s Minister of Health Dr Rakan Nassereddine, also expressed his thanks to the State of Qatar for its unwavering support for Lebanon, particularly for the institutional backing provided to the Lebanese army.
He said Qatar’s hand has always been generous toward Lebanon, calling for increased Arab and international support for Lebanon - especially for its national institutions, with the army at forefront, given its essential role in maintaining security and stability. Meanwhile, member of the “strong republic” parliamentary bloc, MP Melhem Riachy, said that the renewal of Qatar’s grant reflects Doha’s deep interest in Lebanese affairs and its steadfast solidarity with the Lebanese people and institutions. Riachy noted that this initiative is likely to strengthen Arab and international willingness to support Lebanon as it navigates its current crisis, helping to ease the burden of these challenging times.
He underscored that Lebanese army is the legitimate force entrusted with protecting the country’s sovereignty and maintaining internal stability, praising Qatar’s ongoing support for this vital national institution. Lebanese MP Dr Michel Moussa expressed deep appreciation for Qatar’s generous grant, praising the State of Qatar’s unwavering and longstanding support for Lebanon, particularly during critical times. In a statement to QNA, Moussa emphasized that Qatar’s continued backing of the Lebanese Armed Forces is a vital pillar in enabling the military to carry out its duties despite severe economic pressures.
He also highlighted Qatar’s role in reconstruction efforts and direct aid to the army, noting that Doha has consistently stood by Lebanon throughout its most challenging economic and political periods. Former Lebanese MP Faisal Al Daoud said that the State of Qatar has always been on the side of Lebanon, adding that the timing of this contribution is particularly significant. He noted that it strengthens Lebanon’s internal security and border control while reinforcing the state’s sovereignty and stature.
Al Daoud extended his gratitude to HH the Amir for supporting HE the Lebanese President’s successful visit to Doha. In the same context, former Lebanese government coordinator with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Brig. Gen.
Mounir Shehadeh, underlined Qatar’s continuous support for the Lebanese army since General Joseph Aoun was the army commander. He praised Qatar’s role since the onset of the economic crisis in 2019, when the value of soldiers’ salaries dropped to less than USD 100 per month. Brig.
Gen. Shehadeh explained that Qatar’s grant helped mitigate the crisis’s impact on military personnel, especially in areas of healthcare and nutrition, as the Lebanese pound witnessed dramatic devaluation - reaching 150,000 to one dollar at times before settling at around 90,000. He stated that if not for Qatar’s continued support since 2019, the army would not have been able to provide basic necessities like food and medicine for its soldiers.
He also thanked Qatar for delivering 162 new military vehicles to address critical shortages in equipment - support that will significantly enhance the army’s operational capabilities. Member of Lebanon’s Economic and Social Council, Dr. Anis Abu Diab, also praised Qatar’s sustained efforts to support Lebanese institutions - especially the military - since the beginning of the economic downturn in 2019.
He stressed that such aid is crucial to maintaining the country’s security and stability. Abu Diab also pointed to Qatar’s role in helping to end the Israeli war on Lebanon, which erupted on Oct. 8, 2023, and concluded with a ceasefire agreement on Nov.
27, 2024. He noted that the announcement of renewed Qatar grant during HE the Lebanese President’s visit to Doha underscores the strength of Lebanon-Qatar relations. He emphasized the importance of the newly delivered military vehicles in enhancing the army’s border control capabilities.
Lebanese ministers and officials affirm that the move represents a significant contribution to the military institution’s ability to carry out its national duties Copy 20/04/2025 10.
