Lebanon's president receives invitation to visit Qatar

Lebanon's President Michel Aoun received Wednesday a congratulation letter from Qatar's ruler on his election as president, as well as an invitation of visiting Qatar, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Visiting Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani conveyed the message from Qatar's ruler, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, saying that Qatar hopes Lebanon will also overcome the cabinet formation dilemma soon.

Following the meeting with Aoun at the presidential palace, the foreign minister said he hopes this will be the beginning for restoring stability. Qatari-Lebanese relations will continue and Qatar's support for Lebanon will not stop, he added.

The Qatari visitor later held talks with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

He said that his country appreciates the policy that Lebanon has endorsed towards the "regional issues and its humanitarian role in hosting the Syrian refugees."

He also hoped the new government will be formed quickly "so that the economy can be boosted," and Lebanon could return as "a destination for Gulf tourists."

The visit comes a few days after a senior Saudi delegation led by Mecca Governor Prince Khaled al-Faisal visit the country.

Aoun's was elected on Oct. 31 as the 13th president of Lebanon, ending more than two and a half years of presidential vacuum since the end of the six-year tenure of former President Michel Suleiman in 2014.

In addition to pledges of economic growth and security, Aoun said in his oath of office that Lebanon must work to ensure Syrian refugees "can return quickly" to their country. Endit