Beirut: Information Minister Paul Morcos on Thursday said Lebanese-Emirati relations have entered "a new phase of cooperation and partnership," describing the current momentum as an opportunity to move beyond aid and trade toward direct investment, reconstruction, and recovery.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Morcos spoke to Sky News Arabia, emphasizing that the Lebanese-UAE Economic Forum, attended by a high-level Emirati delegation led by Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, mirrored "a renewed chapter in rebuilding trust between the UAE and Lebanon." The visit of the Emirati delegation came as a result of the restoration of state foundations and renewed confidence under the current presidency and government.
Morcos attributed the new phase to President Joseph Aoun's visit to the UAE on April 30, 2025, which led to the lifting of restrictions on Emirati citizens traveling to Lebanon and the resumption of Emirati flights to Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. He also noted Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's subsequent visits to the UAE as a contributing factor to the positive trajectory in bilateral relations.
The minister highlighted the importance of the UAE market for Lebanese exports, describing the Emirates as a gateway to the Gulf, Asia, and Africa. "We have moved into a phase of partnership, not merely trade," Morcos stated, indicating that prospects for bilateral investment have become increasingly promising as Lebanon progresses through a period of recovery.
Morcos pointed out reforms undertaken by the government, including banking-sector reforms that are yet to reach their full potential, emphasizing that investors need a safe and stable environment supported by elements such as judicial independence and Lebanon's reputation for free and credible media.
He also mentioned the recently adopted media law as part of efforts to modernize the sector, stating that the legislation protects the freedom Lebanon is eager to preserve while also safeguarding the investment environment.
Morcos noted Lebanon's efforts to strengthen engagement with the outside world, citing the reopening of foreign markets, including the Saudi market, to Lebanese products and the resumption of exports to Gulf countries as a result of Lebanese government efforts and cooperation from Gulf states.
He mentioned a "natural bridge" between Lebanon and the UAE, particularly through the large number of Lebanese working in the Emirates in the economy, business, and media sectors. Morcos expressed Lebanon's desire to turn the page on war, enable displaced residents to return to their villages, and rebuild them, hoping for generous Emirati participation in return, recovery, and reconstruction efforts.
Concluding his remarks, Morcos stated that relations between the two countries have not been better at any point over the past 20 years than under the current presidency. He highlighted that President Aoun's visit, along with subsequent visits by the prime minister and ministers, had laid the groundwork for this development. He expressed optimism that the coming phase would open the door to "smart investments" capable of contributing to Lebanon's reconstruction and recovery while benefiting from the UAE's leading experience in the region.