Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (right) meets Jeanne Shaheen, a prominent member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in New York on Sept. 21, 2026. (Credit: Grand Serail on X)
BEIRUT — Prime Minister Nawaf Salam began a diplomatic push Monday in New York focused on Lebanon's key issues, from international support for the army and the state’s monopoly on weapons to the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as negotiations with Israel and economic recovery. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where he is due to deliver Lebanon’s address, he is holding a series of meetings with U.S. and international officials before heading to Washington.
His first meeting was with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The discussions, held at Lebanon’s permanent mission to the United Nations, focused particularly on U.S. support for the Lebanese Army and strengthening its capabilities, according to a statement from the Grand Serail published on X. Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, was also present.
During his conversation with Shaheen, the prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to extending the authority of the state by ensuring that "arms are held exclusively by the state, while continuing reform efforts." He also emphasized "the importance of maintaining American support for the army and strengthening its capacities," as well as the need to mobilize international support for "the revival and reconstruction of Lebanon."
Salam also discussed the future of UNIFIL, whose mandate expires at the end of the year. He stressed the need “to avoid any vacancy following the end of UNIFIL’s mandate,” saying that “Lebanon needs to maintain an international presence in the South.”
For her part, Shaheen highlighted the importance of Lebanon continuing its efforts to place arms under state control. She also called on the Lebanese Parliament to adopt the financial gap law and encouraged Beirut to proceed with the necessary reforms to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Salam also held talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in the presence of Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji and Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi. They discussed the latest regional developments and highlighted “the importance of intensifying efforts to de-escalate tensions, preserve the security and stability of the Gulf states and the region, and avoid new confrontations.” Salam thanked “the State of Qatar for its ongoing support for Lebanon.”
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the energy and electricity sectors, in order to ease the difficulties faced by the Lebanese. Support for the Lebanese Army and strengthening its capabilities were also discussed, along with economic cooperation and investments between the two countries and support for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Salam’s trip is not limited to New York. He will then travel to Washington, where he will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga, along with several American and international officials.
The prime minister’s visit comes as Israeli attacks continue in southern Lebanon, with the Israeli army still occupying several dozen Lebanese localities. At the same time, the negotiation channel between Beirut and Tel Aviv appears to have been stalled since the beginning of August.
The issue of support for the Lebanese Army, which has been asked since last year to disarm Hezbollah, was already at the heart of discussions last week in Paris, where representatives from 17 countries gathered for a preparatory conference. At the conference, President Joseph Aoun called on Lebanon’s international partners to speed up preparations for an international conference in support of the army, urging participants to establish a “roadmap” and a “clear timetable” for holding the conference.
