LEBANON – Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held a series of meetings in New York today on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on Lebanon’s priorities and key issues for the coming period.

In a post on X, Salam noted that the meetings included United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, King Abdullah II of Jordan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Khalaf Al-Zaidi, Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

The discussions focused on the need for Israel to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory and cease its attacks, alongside strengthening the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and working to ensure a continued international presence in the south after the end of UNIFIL’s mandate. They also addressed efforts to extend state authority and place weapons under state control.

The meetings also covered efforts to mobilize support for the return, recovery and reconstruction process, continue the reforms launched by the government, and expand opportunities for investment and cooperation, particularly in energy, transport and regional connectivity projects.

Salam stressed Lebanon’s continued commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities and building a capable state that restores its sovereignty, enables its people to return to their land, and creates opportunities for recovery and progress.