Beirut: Outgoing Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday welcomed Robert Oliphant, Canada's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Parliamentary Affairs, at his office, in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, St©phanie McCollum. The meeting focused on Lebanon-Canada relations and the support for developmental sectors in Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Oliphant congratulated Mikati on the effective management of Lebanese affairs during the past period, despite the complications the government faced, particularly the handling of the displaced persons relief efforts due to the recent war and the transparency shown in this matter.
Mikati also met with Caretaker Minister of Industry, George Boujikian, and Minister of Youth and Sports, George Kallas. Boujikian conveyed Mikati's wish for the swift formation of a new government, enabling the presidency to fulfill the Lebanese people's aspirations and continue efforts to rescue the country from the long-standing crises it faces.
Moreover, Boujikian discussed ongoing efforts within the Ministry of Industry to support the industrial sector, while Kallas briefed Mikati on his recent official visits to Qatar, highlighting the solidarity of Arab youth and sports ministers with Lebanon. Kallas emphasized the importance of the government's role in advancing youth policies and securing a better future for Arab generations. Kallas also expressed hope that Lebanon would form a new government as soon as possible to continue the rescue mission that Mikati's government began in 2021.