Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib confirmed to Al Jazeera that the response to the Kuwaiti initiative had been prepared by the presidents of the Republic and the government, and Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Mufti of the Republic Abdel Latif Derian stressed, during a joint meeting, that the response should be "positive."

The Lebanese Foreign Minister told Al-Jazeera that he would bring to Kuwait a letter of response to the initiative, explaining that the response was agreed upon by the executive authority, and that it had been prepared by the presidents of the republic and government.

Bou Habib added that Hezbollah was not informed of the response that it will deliver to Kuwait, adding, "I am going to Kuwait for dialogue, and Hezbollah is a Lebanese party and does not dominate Lebanon's politics," but stressed that there is always consultation between political leaders, including the party.

Bu Habib added that the response will be delivered to the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister tomorrow, Saturday, and added, "The response includes that the Gulf countries are friendly countries and we seek to solve problems with them."

The Lebanese Foreign Minister affirmed that his country is reassured that there will be a response to the Kuwaiti initiative, and that it is interested in making the relationship with the Gulf states excellent.

He also said, "We will start a dialogue with the brothers in Kuwait, but we are interested in Lebanon's stability and the unity of the country."

The minister stressed that the two UN resolutions 1559 and 1701 would take time to be implemented.

Bou Habib added in his interview with Al Jazeera that Lebanon needs the help of its brothers in the Gulf and Arab countries.

A photo published by the Presidency of the Government of Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati while receiving Mufti Abdel Latif Derian (communication sites)

Meet Mikati and Daryan

In a meeting they brought together at the government headquarters this Friday morning, the Prime Minister briefed the Mufti of the Republic on the efforts being made to consolidate relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as it was agreed on the importance of the official response to Gulf ideas being positive in line with the national constants and Lebanon’s historical relations with its surroundings. According to a statement issued by Dar Al-Fatwa.

Mikati said, "We appreciate his wisdom and the national positions he expresses, especially at this delicate stage, and the inclusive role played by Dar Al-Fatwa."

He added that the great challenges facing Lebanon require the unity of the national rank among all Lebanese components, and the unity of the Islamic rank.

1/5 Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, performed Friday prayers at the Great Omari Mosque in downtown Beirut.


President Fouad Siniora, Minister of Health Dr. Firas Al-Abyad...# Cabinet # Najib Mikati @SinioraFuad @firassabiad pic.twitter.com/BCC2Eguq3S

— Presidency of the Council of Ministers 🇱🇧 (@grandserail) January 28, 2022

For his part, the Grand Mufti of Lebanon valued the efforts made by the Prime Minister, especially at this delicate and sensitive stage, as he put it.

Derian stressed that "Dar Al-Fatwa is an incubator for all Lebanese and is a symbol of moderation and openness to all Lebanese components."

1/7 Prime Minister Najib Mikati received the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, this morning at the Grand Serail, and they held a retreat that dealt with current national affairs.


Part of the meeting was joined by Minister of Public Health Firas Abyad...# Cabinet # Najib_Mikati @firassabiad @makie_mahmoud pic.twitter.com/NLGX8kNaCr

— Presidency of the Council of Ministers 🇱🇧 (@grandserail) January 28, 2022

The Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah had paid last Saturday an official visit to Lebanon, which lasted for two days, as part of measures to rebuild confidence with this country.

Al-Sabah carried 3 messages to Lebanese officials, related to solidarity with the Lebanese people, and Lebanon's call for non-interference in the affairs of Arab countries, Lebanon's fulfillment of its obligations, and the implementation of international legitimacy and Arab resolutions.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Abdullah Bu Habib, will carry the Lebanese response to the messages that Al-Sabah carried to the Arab ministerial meeting that will be held in Kuwait soon.