Lebanese President Michel Aoun has expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his support of Lebanon at all times. He conveyed the gratitude to the Amir to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a reception in Beirut.

Aoun said Lebanon was thankful to Qatar for rushing in relief materials after the devastating explosion in Beirut earlier this month.

Qatar had air-dashed planeloads of medical supplies, including two field hospitals, to Lebanon after the blasts that killed more than 170 people and injured and displaced scores of individuals. 

Qatar’s Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) has sent a search and rescue team to Lebanon. The team is among the several assistances Qatar extended to Lebanon, on the orders of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The country has also pledged to contribute towards the reconstruction of Beirut.

Besides, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has initiated an immediate response to the explosion in Beirut. Under an approval from the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), QRCS launched a fundraising campaign titled “Heart for Lebanon” to support the Lebanese people.

Qatar has also reached out to Lebanese nationals holding Qatari Residency Permits (IDs). The Government Communications Office on Thursday said Qatar would give priority to Lebanese nationals with Qatar IDs, who are currently in the country and wishing to return to Qatar, under the exceptional entry permit (EEP) programme.