Doha: A joint statement was issued by the State of Qatar and the Republic of Lebanon, marking the official visit of HE President of the Republic of Lebanon General Joseph Aoun to Qatar on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The statement reads as follows: In response to the generous invitation of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Republic of Lebanon HE General Joseph Aoun paid an official visit to the State of Qatar on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The visit came within the framework of the solid fraternal relations between the two countries and the historical ties between their brotherly peoples, reflecting their shared determination to deepen and consolidate cooperation between them across all fields.
In an atmosphere marked by mutual trust and a shared desire for consultation and understanding, HH the Amir and HE the President of the Republic of Lebanon held bilateral talks that addressed relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen and develop them across all fields. In this context, the two leaders emphasized the strength of the relations between the two countries and their shared will to advance them to broader horizons for the benefit of the two fraternal peoples. They also emphasized the urgent need to move forward with Lebanon's economic reform plans.
The two sides stressed that the two countries enjoy diverse and promising opportunities in all fields, which will contribute to enhancing bilateral cooperation, consolidating partnerships, and increasing investment and trade volume to achieve common interests. The two leaders discussed regional and international developments, ways to enhance joint Arab action, and coordinate their positions on key issues. They emphasized the need to address all regional issues through dialogue and diplomacy, including de-escalation in southern Lebanon.
On Arab affairs, the two sides stressed their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions. They also reiterated their support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence.
Both sides emphasized the national role of the Lebanese Army, the importance of supporting it, and the need to implement Resolution 1701 in all its provisions. In this regard, HH the Amir announced the renewal of the Qatari grant to support the salaries of the Lebanese Army, amounting to USD 60 million, in addition to 162 military vehicles, to enable it to carry out its national duties of maintaining stability and controlling the borders throughout Lebanese territory.
HH the Amir also affirmed to HE the President of the Republic of Lebanon that the State of Qatar stands with Lebanon, its people, and its institutions, reiterating Qatar's firm stance toward Lebanon's stability and territorial integrity. At the conclusion of the visit, HE the President of the Republic of Lebanon voiced his thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. HH the Amir expressed his wishes for His Excellency's continued health and happiness, and for the fraternal Lebanese people further progress and prosperity.
In a related development, Egypt and Qatar have announced plans to “work toward” a $7.5 billion investment package for Cairo, in a further sign of Gulf backing for Egypt’s efforts to stabilize its economy amid ongoing foreign currency pressures. The pledge was made in a joint statement on Monday, April 14, 2025, coinciding with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Doha, where he held talks with Qatari leaders on regional and economic issues.
The deal is a striking turnaround given that just a few years ago, Cairo embargoed Doha and accused it of sponsoring terrorism. The two countries did not provide specifics on the timing or sectors targeted by the planned investment. The prospective deal comes as Egypt continues to seek financial lifelines to bolster its economy, which has been strained by inflation, a plunging pound, and a persistent shortage of hard currency.
The crisis eased significantly last year when the United Arab Emirates announced $35 billion in funding and investments, forming part of a wider $57 billion rescue package that also involved the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. Qatar’s latest signal of support adds much-needed momentum to Gulf-led investment diplomacy in Egypt, which has seen increasing engagement from sovereign wealth funds and private firms alike.
This comes despite the fact that in recent times, Gulf countries have reportedly grown wary of offering unconditional aid to Egypt, increasingly opting for investments tied to economic reforms. Egyptian officials have also been pushing for expanded property and infrastructure deals with Qatari investors, with a new round of negotiations expected this year itself.
Following his stop in Doha, El-Sisi is now traveling to Kuwait, according to Egypt’s state-run Middle East News Agency. The regional tour shows Cairo’s continued reliance on Gulf alliances as it attempts to reboot its economy and secure longer-term financial stability.
Meanwhile, on April 15, 2025, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa stated that Syria “will not forget Qatar’s sincere stance and unwavering support,” describing the strengthening of ties between Damascus and Doha as “a cornerstone for consolidating stability for the peoples of both nations.” This statement came in a post published following Al-Sharaa’s visit to Qatar, according to the Syrian Presidency on its account on the X platform.
Al-Sharaa expressed his deep thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani for the warm welcome and generous hospitality he received during his visit to the sisterly State of Qatar. He added: “We will not forget the sincere stance and steadfast support that the State of Qatar has shown to the Syrian people.” Al-Sharaa continued, “Strengthening the cooperation and integration between our two countries is a cornerstone for reinforcing stability and driving prosperity for our peoples.”
Al-Sharaa made his first official visit to the Qatari capital since taking office in January 2025. Two days prior to April 16, 2025, Al-Sharaa visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On January 30, 2025, the Emir of Qatar became the first head of state to visit Damascus following the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime.
