Today's meeting of the EU-Lebanon Association Council in Brussels was chaired by the State Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, Matjaž Šinkovec, on behalf of the Slovenian Presidency. The two sides – the Lebanese delegation was headed by Tarek Mitri, Foreign Minister ad interim – discussed the situation and outlook as regards EU-Lebanese relations, matters of common interest and regional and international issues.
“We affirmed our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and stability of Lebanon. Both the EU and Lebanon are committed to achieving the same goal: creating peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East. A comprehensive solution is needed,” said the Slovenian State Secretary.
The EU is also concerned about the escalation of tensions in Lebanon itself. “The situation is deteriorating. The continuing institutional crisis in Lebanon is not acceptable. The parties need to return to dialogue in a spirit of compromise,” stressed Mr Šinkovec.
On the other hand, the State Secretary welcomed the reform process in Lebanon so far – Lebanon has achieved a number of performance targets in the macroeconomic field. “The EU encourages Lebanon to continue the efficient work in the reforms,” he said and commended the partnership between the EU and Lebanon under the European Neighbourhood Policy.
