Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union affirmed its steadfast support for the Lebanese people, especially in rebuilding state institutions capable of fulfilling their missions in serving all citizens. It said in a statement, "We stand ready to support the new government in moving forward with a reform and forward-looking agenda and relaunching the partnership between the European Union and Lebanon, including through holding the Association Council this year.
The statement was issued in Brussels by the office of Kaya Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy coordinator, and it also stated, "I congratulate Lebanon on the formation of the new government, and I wish Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the entire government full success in achieving the aspirations of the Lebanese people. I particularly congratulate Youssef Rji on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, and I look forward to working with him.