Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz al-Khulaifi (left), upon his arrival at the AIB, with Energy Minister, Joe Saddi, on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
BEIRUT — On Monday, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, stated that “Qatar’s aid to Lebanon will have no limits,” adding that improvements in Lebanon will encourage more projects and cooperation.
The minister made the remarks following a meeting at Baabda Palace with President Joseph Aoun, marking the first stop of his visit. His itinerary also included a meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain al-Tineh, discussions with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail, and a meeting with Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal in Yarze.
Investment and development projects
After the Baabda meeting, Al-Khulaifi highlighted numerous investment opportunities for Qatar in Lebanon, expressing satisfaction with progress in economic talks between the two countries. He also underscored Qatar’s long-standing support for the Lebanese army, calling it “a source of great pride.” Aid will be provided methodically, focusing on government-led projects, funded through the Qatar Development Fund.
Planned initiatives include:
- $40 million in support for Lebanon’s electricity sector, alongside a $360 million economic project benefiting around 1.5 million customers.
- 185 scholarships for Lebanese youth.
- Reconstruction of the Karantina Hospital, damaged in the Beirut port explosion of Aug. 4, 2020.
- A “Sport for Development and Peace” program to protect 4,400 children and youth in conflict-affected areas.
- A voluntary repatriation project for Syrians in Lebanon, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with a first phase costing $20 million, assisting 100,000 people with housing, food, and healthcare for three months.
Doha may also increase its support for the Lebanese army from $120 million to $300 million per year, with potential extension to the Internal Security Forces. Preparatory meetings are scheduled in Doha mid-February ahead of a March 5 conference in Paris supporting the army and security forces.
Diplomatic coordination and regional context
Al-Khulaifi emphasized Qatar’s close monitoring of Israeli attacks and ongoing dialogue within the "Mechanism." He noted Qatar’s integral role in the “quintet” on Lebanon, alongside the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, coordinating with partner countries to support Lebanon in addressing key challenges.
President Aoun expressed Lebanon’s appreciation for Qatar’s support and called for pressure on Tel Aviv while reaffirming the Lebanese army’s deployment south of the Litani and its need for equipment and vehicles.
Parliament Speaker Berri also conveyed Lebanon’s gratitude for Qatar’s continuous support for the army and infrastructure reconstruction.
During discussions with General Haykal, Al-Khulaifi reviewed the overall situation in Lebanon, developments in South Lebanon, and ways to support the army amid current challenges. Haykal thanked Qatar for its consistent aid and contributions to Lebanon’s security and stability.
Qatar remains one of Lebanon’s main donors, alongside Saudi Arabia. Last December, the two countries met in Doha to discuss Lebanon’s situation, reaffirming Qatar’s support for Beirut and solidarity with the Lebanese people.
Later on Monday at Baabda, President Aoun received Prime Minister Salam, who briefed him on meetings in Davos with global leaders, including IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and talks in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron. Discussions also focused on southern Lebanon amid continued Israeli attacks.
