Rasamny: Emirati Presence Renews Confidence in Lebanon’s Future

Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamny, on Wednesday led a high-profile tour of Beirut Port, accompanied by a senior delegation from the United Arab Emirates, headed by H.E. Abdullah Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Government Knowledge Exchange. The UAE delegation included representatives from the Government Experience Exchange Office (GEEO), the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the UAE Mission in Beirut, and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

Following a coordination meeting at the port’s administration building, Minister Rasamny praised the delegation’s visit as “a source of momentum and confidence,” stating that “the presence of our Emirati brothers in Beirut port today renews hope for the Lebanese people.”

Highlighting Lebanon’s vast potential, Rasamny affirmed, “We have the projects, talents, and capacity—we only need decisive action. Our responsibility is to restore the public’s trust in the state.” He noted the visit’s role in bolstering bilateral cooperation and paving the way for joint committees to facilitate knowledge transfer, particularly in training and capacity-building.

Later, the delegation visited the Aviation Safety Center at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, where Rasamny was joined by Director General of Civil Aviation Amin Jaber, Airport Chief Engineer Ibrahim Abou Alouwi, Airport Security Chief Brig. Gen. Fady El Kfoury, and ISF Commander at the airport Brig. Gen. Izzat El Khateeb.

The tour covered critical areas of the terminal and concluded in the VIP lounge, where Rasamny emphasized the symbolic weight of the visit: “Your presence here offers us more than technical support — it is moral support that rekindles the Lebanese people’s sense of belonging to the Arab world. We see it in their smiles today.”

Rasamny expressed aspirations to deepen infrastructure ties with the Gulf, particularly in transport corridors linking Beirut Port to inland borders and northern trade routes.“We have grand ambitions, some may see lighting the airport road as modest, but it’s a milestone that strengthens our resolve.”

Lootah, in his remarks, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to Lebanon under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “We see opportunities, not challenges,” he said. “Lebanon is brimming with potential and positive energy, and we’re here to explore how to transform that into sustainable development.”

Lootah further announced upcoming collaboration in sectors including airport operations, healthcare, and education, pledging full support in alignment with the UAE’s vision for regional development.

Minister Rasamny concluded by reiterating the importance of trust, stability, and Arab solidarity. 

“Lebanon has never left the Arab fold. What we need today is trust, and the presence of our Emirati brothers is a testament to that,” Rasamny said.