To help Lebanon’s new Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, a major show of regional and international solidarity has seen Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and UN Secretary-General António Guterres offer their backing. The gestures are also part of life in Lebanon as the country prepares to embrace a new generation of leadership and the hopes are for the resilience of the country that has been challenged by a series of crises in the recent years.
During a phone call on Sunday, Prime Minister Madbouly congratulated Salam on successfully securing a confidence vote in Lebanon’s Parliament and forming a new government. Madbouly again confirmed the unshakable commitment of Egypt for stability and prosperity of Lebanon. During his address he stressed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Lebanon at this time of need whilst drawing attention to the necessity of concerted action in order to secure a future of “stability, security and prosperity” for the Lebanese people.
Lebanon’s newly appointed prime minister, Nawaf Salam, thanked Madbouly for the act of solidarity. He focused on the long standing relationship of the two countries mentioning Egypt as one of the key actors in the area. [Lebanon] highly appreciates Egypt’s beneficial role, standing, and power in the Arab world,” Salam explained. He further shared the government of his country’s keen interest to enhance the two countries’ relations and to investigate the ways of cooperation which could be mutually beneficial for the two countries.
It was one of the first times that Salam directly dealt with a regional leader after he took the presidency. Experts regard it as a hopeful sign for boosting Lebanon’s standing on the regional level and for gaining support for his government’s reforms.
In the meantime, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has said the same while leaving Lebanon on Saturday after his two days visit. Speaking to reporters in Beirut, Guterres said the United Nations recognizes the Lebanese people still struggling despite the new government and called on the international community to take advantage of the new government.
“Lebanon has encountered extraordinary challenges, but with the formation of this government, there is a critical moment of opportunity,” Guterres said. “I invite all stakeholders in and out of this country to join hands and build a better future for this country of ours.”
Guterres also had an audience with Salam during the visit where he assured him of UN’s support to Lebanon post the tragedy. The necessity of reforming to resolve the issues associated with the economic and social crises, including the peoples’ current financial crisis, was also underlined by the Secretary-General.
Salam’s government has been welcomed with cautious hope in Lebanon. After years of political stalemate, economic collapse and social unrest, many view Salam’s leadership as an opportunity to reset the country’s course. But daunting challenges remain, including economic reforms, restoring trust in government institutions, and addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
For Lebanon, the support of regional bullies like Egypt and the international community symbolized by the UN is vital. Observers say Salam’s skill in managing these relationships will be critical to his success.
As Lebanon turns this new leaf, Salam’s leadership in the weeks and months to come will be tested, as will the desire of international backers to see tangible progress. For the moment, the words of encouragement from Cairo and the UN are indications of a common desire for a more stable and prosperous Lebanon.
