Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Friday that the ministerial declaration of his new government reflects Lebanon’s commitment to regaining its place among Arab nations. He made the remarks at the Grand Serail while meeting with Arab ambassadors accredited to Lebanon.

Salam pledged that Lebanon “will no longer be a platform for verbal attacks against Arab and friendly countries,” echoing a statement made Wednesday by President Joseph Aoun, who had received the same ambassadors at Baabda Palace.

Lebanon’s ties with Arab countries have been strained in recent years due to repeated verbal attacks by local actors, particularly Hezbollah. In response, several Arab states downgraded diplomatic representation or issued travel warnings for Lebanon. The economic and financial crisis since 2019 has further deterred investment.

After a prolonged political deadlock, Parliament elected Aoun as president on Jan. 9. Since Feb. 8, Lebanon has been led by a new government under Salam. A vote of confidence on the government is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in Parliament, following the reading of its ministerial declaration.

During his meeting with the ambassadors, Salam urged Arab nationals to invest in Lebanon and visit as tourists, saying the government aims to create a more stable climate.

On a regional level, he underscored “the importance of a unified Arab stance to confront common challenges, particularly the plan to deport Palestinians.” Former U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed mass deportations of Palestinians from Gaza to Jordan and Egypt under the pretext of rebuilding the enclave. Both countries firmly rejected the plan, with other Arab nations quickly following suit.

Salam also addressed the situation in South Lebanon, noting that Israeli forces remain in five positions despite a cease-fire that took effect Nov. 27. The withdrawal period was set to conclude on Feb. 18. He told the ambassadors that he has been in contact with Arab leaders to push for Israel’s full withdrawal.