The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Friday that it has reopened its embassy in Lebanon, years after it was closed in solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
According to state news agency WAM, the Emirati embassy in Beirut "has officially resumed diplomatic activities."
Omar Obaid al-Shamsi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was quoted by WAM as saying, "The reopening of the embassy represents an important step in advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries."
In October 2021, the UAE, along with several other Gulf states, recalled its diplomats from Lebanon in solidarity with Saudi Arabia following a Lebanese minister’s criticism of the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.
The UAE-Lebanon relationship had been strained for years, primarily due to the growing influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
However, in early January, Lebanon appointed its new president, Joseph Aoun, ending a years-long political deadlock, which followed a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership after its war with Israel.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated Aoun on his election, expressing hope for "mutual cooperation and prosperity for both nations and their peoples."
With AFP
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