Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Thursday received Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma at the Baabda Palace. The discussion touched on the political and security situation in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation between Lebanon and the Netherlands.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the Dutch minister affirmed his country's solidarity with Lebanon and the Lebanese people amid the difficult circumstances they are facing. He noted that his visit to Nabatieh yesterday gave him the opportunity to witness firsthand the extent of the suffering endured by citizens and the impact of the war on their lives and communities. He stressed that he would take back to The Hague the stories he had heard and witnessed, reflecting the reality experienced by the Lebanese people.
The meeting also addressed the support programs provided by the Netherlands to Lebanon, particularly support for the Lebanese Army, as well as shelter, education, and livelihoods programs, which the Dutch government is working to strengthen this year. The importance of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and the support provided by the Netherlands in this regard were also discussed. This includes assistance in strengthening capacities to document and investigate violations, as well as supporting the work of the committee established by Lebanon for this purpose and headed by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tarek Mitri.
Discussions also covered the reform path being undertaken by the Lebanese state, focusing on financial, economic, and institutional reforms. The Dutch minister commended the progress achieved and stressed the importance of continuing this process to strengthen confidence in the state and its institutions and support economic recovery. The meeting explored the possibility of expanding economic cooperation between Lebanon and the Netherlands, particularly in the fields of trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The situation in southern Lebanon and the role of UNIFIL were also addressed, along with developments related to extending the state's authority across all Lebanese territory and ensuring that weapons are exclusively under its control. President Aoun emphasized that "Israel continues to violate the framework agreement reached through the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations in Washington by continuing its shelling, destroying the southern villages it occupies, and bulldozing homes and property."
Aoun assured that "the army is fully carrying out its duties in the pilot areas where it has redeployed, and that any claims to the contrary are aimed at undermining the army, casting doubt on its role, and questioning its commitment to the decisions of the political authorities." He further pointed out that "the reconstruction of the south is the responsibility of the Lebanese state, but this cannot take place as long as the Israeli occupation continues," welcoming international assistance in this regard.
Regarding the role of UNIFIL, President Aoun expressed "Lebanon's commitment to the continued presence of UNIFIL in the south, given the important role it plays." If an extension of its mandate is not possible, Lebanon would welcome any brotherly or friendly country willing to continue the work carried out by UNIFIL, particularly in providing support to the Lebanese Army and southern residents in the humanitarian, social, healthcare, and educational fields.
President Aoun further stressed "the importance of strengthening the Lebanese state and achieving security and political stability, as this is the key to national economic growth."