UAE Leaders Extend Independence Day Congratulations to Lebanese President

UAE leaders sent congratulatory messages to Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Lebanon's Independence Day, marking a diplomatic outreach as Lebanon emerges from its prolonged political crisis.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, sent a congratulatory cable to General Joseph Aoun, who was recently elected as Lebanon's President after the country went without a head of state for over two years. The message came on the occasion of Lebanon's Independence Day celebrations.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, also sent similar congratulatory messages to President Aoun. Both leaders extended separate congratulations to Lebanon's Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam.

The diplomatic gestures come at a critical time for Lebanon, which has been working to rebuild its political institutions after a prolonged presidential vacuum. The country faced significant challenges during this period, including economic collapse and political deadlock that left key government positions unfilled.

For the UAE, these messages signal continued engagement with Lebanon despite the country's ongoing struggles. The Gulf nation has historically maintained economic and political ties with Lebanon, though relationships have been tested by regional tensions and Lebanon's complex political landscape.

Lebanon's Independence Day commemorates the country's independence from French mandate rule in 1943. This year's celebrations take on added significance as the country attempts to stabilize its political system with new leadership in place.