Outgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Nagib Mikati shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Arab-Chinese summit in Saudi Arabia, December 10, 2022. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Chinese President Xi Jinping told caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Saturday that his country intends to continue supporting Lebanon, especially in renewable energy, and wants to develop bilateral cooperation, the state-run National News Agency reported.
"China welcomes Lebanon's positive contribution to strengthening cooperation between Beijing and Arab countries ... and is interested in developing economic and social cooperation with Lebanon," Xi told Mikati on the sidelines of the Arab-Chinese summit in Saudi Arabia.
"China will continue to support Lebanon to meet its needs, especially in renewable energy," added the Chinese president.
For his part, Mikati paid tribute to "China's active contribution to the preservation of stability in South Lebanon through its active participation in UNIFIL," positioned on the border with Israel to maintain stability.
"Lebanon aspires to more Chinese investment, especially in infrastructure, in which China has extensive experience," continued the caretaker Prime Minister, who added his hope for "the opening of Chinese markets to Lebanese crafts."
On a trip to Saudi Arabia, Mikati participated Friday in two summits in the presence of Xi Jinping— the first with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the second with several Middle Eastern leaders invited to Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the visit of the Chinese president.