On Saturday 8 February, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, “warmly” congratulated Lebanon on the formation of a new government led by Nawaf Salam and with Youssef Rajji as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. The country had been ruled by an interim government for two years.
In a press release, Ms Kallas wished the Prime Minister and the entire government “full success” in fulfilling the aspirations of the Lebanese people.
“The EU reaffirms its steadfast support for the Lebanese people and in particular for the rebuilding of state institutions capable of fulfilling their missions at the service of all citizens”, stressed the High Representative, adding that the EU was ready to help the new government “in taking forward a reform-oriented and forward-looking agenda and to relaunch the EU-Lebanon partnership”.
Ms Kallas announced that an Association Council between the EU and Lebanon would be held in 2025. The last one was in July 2017 (see EUROPE 11833/13). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)