In a significant diplomatic engagement, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, at the Presidential Palace in Ankara on Wednesday. The meeting marked the beginning of a short yet impactful state visit by the Lebanese delegation.
Upon arrival at the presidential complex, Premier Mikati was honored with an official welcome ceremony. This warm reception highlighted the importance Turkey places on strengthening its ties with Lebanon amidst the region’s shifting dynamics.
Closed-Door and Ministerial-Level Meetings
Following the ceremonial proceedings, President Erdogan and Premier Mikati engaged in a closed-door discussion to address key bilateral and regional issues. This was followed by an expanded meeting at the ministerial level, reflecting the comprehensive approach both nations are adopting to enhance collaboration.
The Turkish and Lebanese ministers held separate bilateral working meetings to discuss sector-specific initiatives, further emphasizing the practical and results-oriented nature of the visit.
High-Level Delegations Discuss Strategic Areas
The Lebanese delegation accompanying Premier Mikati included Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar, Minister of Energy and Water Walid Fayad, Minister of Environment and Chairman of the Ministerial Emergency Committee Nasser Yassin, Minister of Public Works and Transport Ali Hamieh, Lebanon’s Ambassador to Turkey Ghassan Al-Maamari, and Army Representative Brigadier General Youssef Haddad.
On the Turkish side, the delegation comprised Ministers of Tourism, Energy, Agriculture, Defense, Environment, Transport, and Infrastructure. Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Murat Lütem and Ankara Governor Vasip Şahin also participated in the discussions, highlighting the breadth of the Turkish delegation’s expertise.
A Tribute to Ataturk
Premier Mikati’s visit began with a symbolic gesture at the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Accompanied by the Director General of the Ataturk Mausoleum Administration and the Director General of Protocol at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mikati laid a wreath at the tomb and observed a minute of silence in tribute to Ataturk’s enduring legacy.
Fostering Regional Cooperation
The discussions reportedly focused on enhancing cooperation in tourism, energy, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development. With Lebanon grappling with economic and political challenges, Turkey’s role as a strategic partner could offer valuable support across multiple domains.
Additionally, defense and security matters were likely on the agenda, given the participation of military representatives from both sides. This reflects the broader geopolitical context in which the two countries aim to navigate shared interests and concerns.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The visit underscores the commitment of both Turkey and Lebanon to deepening their bilateral relationship. The high-level engagement between the two nations not only reaffirms their historical ties but also signals a forward-looking approach to tackling mutual challenges.
As Premier Mikati’s visit progresses, both nations hope to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation, particularly in areas that can bring tangible benefits to their citizens.
This visit, though brief, is poised to set the tone for a more dynamic partnership between Turkey and Lebanon in the months ahead.
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