NNA - Prime Minister Nawaf Salam revealed that "an agreement has been concluded with Dar Al-Handasah Company to prepare a free study for the operation of Qlayaat Airport," adding that "within three months, a preliminary vision for a master plan will be presented to launch the facility's operations."

Salam's words came during a visit to Akkar Governorate on Tuesday, which began at the airport, where his helicopter landed on its runway.

Salam toured the area, promising a second visit to the region to launch the master plan and other projects.

He pointed to "the importance of public-private partnerships to engage in numerous investments, particularly in the north and at the airport."

He said, "Yesterday, I chaired a meeting of the Higher Council for Privatization to reactivate it," adding, "We don't consider ourselves remote from Akkar, even though it is geographically distant from Beirut. We know that Akkar has suffered from decades of neglect, and we have clear plans to address the injustice. There is an urgent need to control the borders."

Salam also stressed "full readiness to achieve stability and support Akkar in confronting all the challenges it faces, including the recent Syrian displacement crisis, and addressing all the problems occurring at the crossings."

For their part, Akkar MPs welcomed Salam, considering his presence a confirmation of the commitment to the oath of office and the ministerial statement. They noted that Salam's visit to Rene Moawad Airport in Qlayaat is evidence of interest in the region's development.

They underlined "the necessity of activating the airport's operations, given its economic and national importance and its potential for improving national income."

Akkar's deputies expressed "great hopes for the government and its plan to achieve balanced development, in addition to improving the transportation sector in the north and enhancing infrastructure."

They considered PM Salam's visit as historic and fundamental for the future, in terms of projects that can be launched.

Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny had indicated that "a delegation from Dar Al-Handasah visited the airport some time ago and presented a preliminary vision on how to revitalize the airport," adding that "there are opportunities to leverage the airport's geographic location, which will enhance the chances of attracting investors."

Rasamny went on, "We will work along two paths: operating the airport and promoting development in the region. Here, we can consider turning it into a cargo airport by taking advantage of the proximity to Tripoli Port, creating a free zone there, while looking into the possibility of creating an area for aircraft maintenance as well."

===========R.Sh.