The United Arab Emirates is set to reopen its embassy in Lebanon after more than three years, following a diplomatic agreement between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. This decision comes after the UAE had previously withdrawn its diplomats in 2021 due to criticism of regional conflicts. Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab indicated a future of hope and renewed relations for Lebanon.
A high-ranking delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently arrived in Lebanon to facilitate the reopening of the UAE embassy in Beirut, which has remained closed for over three years. According to the state news agency WAM, this development follows a meeting between UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who agreed on the necessity of resuming diplomatic operations.
The UAE had previously closed its embassy and withdrawn diplomats in October 2021 in response to comments made by Lebanon’s former information minister regarding the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. This diplomatic withdrawal reflected a broader alignment with Saudi Arabia, which had expressed concerns about Hezbollah’s influence over the Lebanese political landscape. However, many of Hezbollah’s leaders have been eliminated, and the group’s strongholds have suffered extensive damage from a prolonged conflict with Israel.
Lebanon’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Elias Bou Saab announced in a televised statement that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are open to restoring diplomatic relations with Lebanon. “The UAE will reopen its embassy very soon…thus there is hope for us to start a new page in Lebanon,” stated Bou Saab, underscoring a sense of optimism surrounding the resumption of diplomatic ties.
This move by the UAE signifies a potential shift in the diplomatic relations in the region, fostering hopes for renewed collaboration and stability in Lebanon. The forthcoming reopening of the UAE embassy could pave the way for more engagements and support that Lebanon might need in its current circumstances.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia had previously adopted a more cautious stance towards Lebanon, particularly following statements made by Lebanese officials regarding Saudi involvement in regional conflicts. The withdrawal of the UAE’s diplomatic staff was a significant gesture signaling discontent with Lebanon’s political environment influenced by Hezbollah. As the situation in Lebanon evolves, there appears to be a renewed interest from both regional powers and Lebanon’s government to align diplomatically and strategically, aiming for stability and cooperative relations in the region.
The decision by the UAE to reopen its embassy in Lebanon represents a critical step towards mending diplomatic relations that have been strained for over three years. With this initiative, the potential for improved ties and the stability required for Lebanon’s recovery may become more attainable. The nuanced political dynamics in the region appear to open avenues for collaboration that both Lebanon and its regional partners are keen to explore.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
