NNA – Outgoing Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Friday welcomed Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, accompanied by GCC Secretary-General, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, and an accompanying delegation.

The meeting, also attended by President of the Council for Development and Reconstruction, Nabil Al-Jisr, focused on strengthening and development of bilateral relations between Lebanon and Kuwait, considering Lebanon's current political developments.

Upon departure, the Kuwaiti minister did not make any statements.

In response to a question, Mikati stated, “We discussed all topics, and the Kuwaiti minister expressed full willingness to assist Lebanon on all fronts. Of course, with the formation of the new government, full cooperation between Kuwait and Lebanon will follow.”

“This visit, along with the previous one from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, marks a significant step in restoring Lebanon's ties with these Gulf nations,” Mikati added.

When asked if Saudi Arabia and Kuwait would help overcome obstacles to forming the new government, Mikati replied, “This is a purely Lebanese matter.”

Mikati also received French Ambassador to Lebanon, Hervé Magro, and met with the acting General Director of General Security, Major General Elias Baisari.

==============R.H.