Minister of Foreign Affairs Joe Rajji welcomed Irish Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and Defense Minister Simon Harris, who led a high-level delegation including Ireland’s Ambassador to Lebanon Nuala O’Brien, Secretary General of the Department of Defense Jacqueline O'Halloran, Assistant Secretary Claire Kelly, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defense Forces Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, and Consul General of Ireland in Lebanon Ambassador George Siam. The meeting was also attended by Lebanese Foreign Ministry Secretary General Ambassador Hani Chmaitelly.
Following the discussions, Minister Rajji expressed Lebanon’s deep appreciation for Ireland’s contributions, particularly its role in UN peacekeeping operations in South Lebanon.
"Lebanon extends its sincere gratitude for Ireland’s support, and we are immensely thankful to the Irish people for their assistance in maintaining peace in the south," Rajji stated.
In his remarks, Minister Harris underscored Ireland’s steadfast commitment to Lebanon, congratulating the newly formed Lebanese government and President.
"It is a great honor to be here today on behalf of the Irish government and people to congratulate you and your government on assuming office. We are here to reaffirm our support and solidarity with your work. While you have taken office in a challenging period, this is also a moment of hope for the Lebanese people. We trust that decisive reforms and policy measures will be enacted to secure Lebanon’s future and promote peace," Harris said.
Highlighting Ireland’s longstanding peacekeeping presence in Lebanon since 1978, Harris expressed pride in the 339 Irish servicemen and women currently deployed in South Lebanon as part of UNIFIL. "I am deeply grateful to each and every one of them, as well as to their families. I want to assure you and the Lebanese people that Ireland remains fully committed to supporting UNIFIL’s mission and peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon," Harris affirmed.
The Irish Minister further emphasized Ireland’s broader regional engagement, particularly in promoting stability in Syria and its direct impact on Lebanon. He announced an additional €2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon through the UN Humanitarian Fund.
"I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the Irish people, an additional €2.5 million in funding to support Lebanon’s humanitarian needs. We hope this contribution will make a tangible difference in improving the lives of the Lebanese people," Harris concluded, reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.
Following the discussions, Minister Rajji expressed Lebanon’s deep appreciation for Ireland’s contributions, particularly its role in UN peacekeeping operations in South Lebanon.
"Lebanon extends its sincere gratitude for Ireland’s support, and we are immensely thankful to the Irish people for their assistance in maintaining peace in the south," Rajji stated.
In his remarks, Minister Harris underscored Ireland’s steadfast commitment to Lebanon, congratulating the newly formed Lebanese government and President.
"It is a great honor to be here today on behalf of the Irish government and people to congratulate you and your government on assuming office. We are here to reaffirm our support and solidarity with your work. While you have taken office in a challenging period, this is also a moment of hope for the Lebanese people. We trust that decisive reforms and policy measures will be enacted to secure Lebanon’s future and promote peace," Harris said.
Highlighting Ireland’s longstanding peacekeeping presence in Lebanon since 1978, Harris expressed pride in the 339 Irish servicemen and women currently deployed in South Lebanon as part of UNIFIL. "I am deeply grateful to each and every one of them, as well as to their families. I want to assure you and the Lebanese people that Ireland remains fully committed to supporting UNIFIL’s mission and peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon," Harris affirmed.
The Irish Minister further emphasized Ireland’s broader regional engagement, particularly in promoting stability in Syria and its direct impact on Lebanon. He announced an additional €2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon through the UN Humanitarian Fund.
"I am pleased to announce, on behalf of the Irish people, an additional €2.5 million in funding to support Lebanon’s humanitarian needs. We hope this contribution will make a tangible difference in improving the lives of the Lebanese people," Harris concluded, reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.
