Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: Qatar News Agency
A senior-level delegation from the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) recently visited Lebanon to meet with government officials and international organizations to discuss key humanitarian and development goals. The visit was part of Qatar’s long-standing commitment to support Lebanon in its recovery, especially in areas impacted by economic hardship, displacement, and healthcare shortages.
The delegation was led by Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, Director-General of QFFD, accompanied by HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to Lebanon. Their visit highlighted Qatar’s consistent efforts to strengthen cooperation and coordination with local and international partners for the benefit of the Lebanese people and the many refugees currently residing in the country.
Meetings With Key Ministries to Align Priorities
During their official visit, the QFFD delegation held discussions with senior representatives of Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Public Health, and Ministry of Social Affairs. These meetings focused on aligning development priorities between the two countries, exploring areas that need immediate intervention, and discussing Qatar’s role in supporting Lebanon’s long-term goals.
The officials from both sides agreed that a coordinated approach is essential to meet the pressing needs of vulnerable communities while also strengthening national institutions for more sustainable development outcomes.
Focus on Supporting Syrian Refugees and Displaced Communities
A key part of the QFFD’s mission was to evaluate the status of Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. With over a million Syrian refugees still present, Lebanon continues to carry a heavy humanitarian burden. During the visit, QFFD representatives met with officials from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assess ongoing challenges and explore possible solutions.
This discussion led to a field visit to the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria. The purpose of this visit was to review operational procedures currently in place and assess how international support can improve efforts to facilitate the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees to Syria. Both parties emphasized that refugee return must respect international law and human dignity.
Emergency Response Project Brings Relief to Thousands
Another highlight of the QFFD’s visit was the review of the Emergency Response Project, a joint humanitarian initiative carried out with the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS). This program was created to support host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and Syrian refugees living in vulnerable conditions across various parts of Lebanon.
The project has already distributed 10,400 food baskets and 10,400 hygiene kits in multiple regions including Beirut, Nabatieh, South Lebanon, Beqaa, and Baalbek-Hermel. These aid packages help ease the pressure on local services, which have been overwhelmed due to both the refugee crisis and Lebanon’s internal economic issues.
Each aid package is tailored to address both nutritional and health needs, especially in areas where access to clean water, food, and medical care is extremely limited.
Karantina Hospital Visit Reflects Commitment to Health Infrastructure
Healthcare infrastructure has been one of the hardest-hit sectors in Lebanon. The Qatari delegation visited the Karantina Governmental Hospital in Beirut to assess progress on reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts supported by QFFD.
The hospital had suffered extensive damage in the past due to both conflict and neglect. QFFD’s involvement aims to restore critical facilities and improve healthcare delivery for patients in urgent need. During the tour, the team reviewed completed restoration works and identified further areas that require immediate upgrades.
This visit was symbolic of Qatar’s broader mission — not only to provide emergency aid, but also to help rebuild long-term infrastructure that strengthens national systems.
Promoting Long-Term Development Through Partnerships
Throughout their visit, the QFFD team made it clear that their mission goes beyond just temporary relief. Their goal is to establish long-term development partnerships with Lebanon. This includes supporting:
By working closely with Lebanese ministries and international partners, Qatar hopes to play a key role in helping Lebanon emerge from its current crisis and move towards a more stable and prosperous future.
Strengthening Humanitarian Coordination and Impact
The QFFD delegation stressed the importance of coordination between all humanitarian stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and government institutions. They highlighted that when organizations work together instead of in isolation, the impact of aid increases significantly.
Qatar’s approach in Lebanon is to act as a partner, not just a donor. Their support is rooted in respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and in promoting joint ownership of projects by the local population.
Such collaboration allows for more efficient distribution of resources, more transparent monitoring of progress, and better accountability for results.
A Message of Hope and Ongoing Support
The visit ended with strong statements of solidarity from QFFD and the Qatari government. The officials assured their Lebanese counterparts that Qatar would continue to stand by Lebanon, especially during challenging times.
They also emphasized that Qatar’s support is not limited to immediate aid but will continue through structured development programs that aim to build resilience within Lebanese society. These programs are designed to support education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood development over the coming years.
A Deepening Commitment to Lebanon’s Recovery
The QFFD’s visit to Lebanon marks another milestone in the growing relationship between the two nations. Through meetings with government ministries, humanitarian organizations, and field visits, the delegation reinforced Qatar’s serious commitment to Lebanon’s recovery and long-term development.
From distributing food and hygiene kits to rebuilding hospitals and preparing for the return of Syrian refugees, the QFFD is playing a vital role in shaping a better future for Lebanon. This visit is not just about aid — it is about partnership, sustainability, and regional stability.
As Lebanon continues to face overlapping crises, the support of allies like Qatar becomes more important than ever. Through compassion, planning, and collaboration, the Qatar Fund for Development is helping to create hope and opportunity in one of the Middle East’s most complex humanitarian environments.
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