UAE pledges support to Lebanon after Israel framework deal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation on Saturday to address the US-brokered framework deal between Lebanon and Israel, according to the Lebanese Presidency. The two leaders examined regional developments in light of the recent agreement signed in Washington, which concluded the fifth round of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

The presidency announced the discussion on X, noting that the conversation addressed the wider region in light of recent developments.

Emirati backing

Al Nahyan expressed the UAE's support for Lebanon and for the positions taken by President Aoun and the Lebanese government regarding the framework deal, and Aoun thanked his counterpart for Abu Dhabi's backing, according to the statement. The UAE president stated his country's "readiness to assist Lebanon politically, economically and socially to help it overcome its current challenges."

The two leaders addressed broader regional developments during their exchange, the presidency noted.

Conflict toll

Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the framework agreement in Washington on Friday, concluding months of diplomacy aimed at resolving outstanding disputes between the two sides. Israeli attacks have killed over 4,000 people and wounded more than 4,000 others in Lebanon since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities.