Mikati at D-8 summit: 'We rely on you to support Lebanon'

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, attending the D-8 Summit in Cairo at the invitation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, called on participating members "to support Lebanon in overcoming its hardships and advancing sustainable development," the state-run National News Agency reported Thursday.

Mikati added, "Paths to development require ending destructive wars, withdrawing occupying armies, achieving justice for peoples, determining their destinies, gaining independence, and extending sovereignty over their entire territories."

He added that the death toll in Lebanon from the Israeli aggression "has exceeded 4,000, including 290 children and 790 women, with over 14,000 injured."

He highlighted that, according to World Bank estimates, reconstruction efforts would require billions of dollars to rebuild and rehabilitate over 100,000 homes and residential units destroyed during the aggression, as well as to restore vital infrastructure such as water pumping stations, hospitals, schools and communication towers.

Mikati also emphasized Lebanon's unwavering commitment to international resolutions, particularly U.N. Resolution 1701, stating, "There can be no development without justice." 

Ahead of delivering his official remarks during one of the summit's sessions, Mikati commented on earlier discussions by leaders and ministers. He affirmed, "Lebanon is always ready to work together for the benefit of our people." He urged for collaborative action, saying, "Let us work together with one hand, for unity brings success, and God is with the group."

The Lebanese delegation at the summit included Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, and Lebanon’s Ambassador to Cairo and the Arab League, Ali Halabi. The summit is expected to discuss ways to enhance economic cooperation among member states, including a dedicated session on Palestine and Lebanon.

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation was established in 1997 in Turkey to strengthen economic and social ties among member states, which include Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh. Egypt currently chairs the organization, having assumed leadership in May and continuing through next year. The summit, held under the theme "Investing in Youth and Supporting SMEs," includes several bilateral meetings and sessions on the sidelines.