UAE announces reopening of embassy in Beirut

The United Arab Emirates had announced that it reopened its embassy in Lebanon, state media reported, years after it was shut down in solidarity with Saudi Arabia.

The Emirati embassy in Beirut "has officially resumed diplomatic activities," state news agency WAM said.

"The reopening of the embassy represents an important step in advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries," WAM cited foreign ministry undersecretary Omar Obaid al-Shamsi as saying.

The UAE, alongside several other Gulf states, recalled its diplomats from Lebanon in October 2021 in "solidarity" with Riyadh over a Lebanese minister's criticism of the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.

Relations between the UAE and Lebanon had deteriorated for years over the influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In early January, Lebanon named its former army chief Joseph Aoun as its new president, ending years of deadlock after Hezbollah's leadership was dealt a major blow by its war with Israel.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Aoun to congratulate him on the presidency, saying he hoped "to work together for the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations and their peoples."