Kuwait announced on Tuesday it would resume its economic aid to Lebanon and restore warm relations, which have been strained by Kuwait's accusation of Lebanese parties linked to Hezbollah of being involved in the Abdali cell conspiracy.
This came following a meeting between Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah and Lebanese President Michel Aoun in Kuwait City.
Lebanese sources said that Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah gave his directives to the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to resume economic aid to Lebanon and respond to its needs.
He was also quoted as saying that his country was ready to provide assistance to Lebanon directly and through international conferences.
Relations between the two countries were shaken as a result of accusations by the Kuwaiti authorities to Hezbollah of transferring weapons to the Abdali cell and training its members, which threatens security and stability in the country.
On July 22, 2017, Kuwait handed over an official protest note to the Lebanese government, calling on it to “assume its responsibilities” for “irresponsible practices” by Hezbollah. The Lebanese government sought to contain the crisis, while Hezbollah denied its involvement in the conspiracy that targeted Kuwait.
Observers believe that the Kuwaiti initiative to resume aid to Lebanon was an indication that disagreement between the two countries has been brought to an end.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Kuwait’s Emir informed Aoun that he had given the necessary instructions to the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to respond to Lebanon’s needs.
“We will not hesitate to provide any assistance for Lebanon, whether directly or through international conferences," Sheikh al-Sabah said.
Aoun, for his part, Aoun expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s continuous support.
The NNA reported that he has also asked for Kuwait’s participation in the three conferences to be held in support for Lebanon, in Rome, Paris, and Brussels.
“The stability Lebanon is enjoying encourages investment and contribution to the economic development,” Aoun told his host, according to the NNA.
The two leaders agreed on the need for a unified Arab stance “in the face of Arab and regional developments”.
They also discussed the Syrian refugee crisis and condemned the US decision to consider Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
