FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Irish Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris announced Wednesday that Ireland will provide €2.5 million (approximately $2.7 million) in humanitarian aid to Lebanon through the UN Humanitarian Fund.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Harris and Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, as part of a high-level Irish delegation visit.
“We hope this contribution will make a tangible difference in improving the lives of the Lebanese people,” Harris said, according to Lebanon’s state-owned National News Agency (NNA). He emphasized Ireland’s commitment to supporting the mission and peacekeeping efforts of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as well as fostering regional stability.
Harris also expressed confidence in Lebanon’s ability to enact decisive reforms and policy measures to secure its future and promote peace. In a post on social media platform X following the meeting, Harris noted that discussions included “ongoing developments in the Middle East and how Ireland can best support Lebanon and the region towards peace.”
Lebanese Foreign Minister Rajji expressed gratitude for Ireland’s contributions, particularly its role in UN peacekeeping operations in southern Lebanon. “Lebanon deeply appreciates Ireland’s support,” Rajji said, according to the NNA.
The aid package underscores Ireland’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian efforts and its dedication to strengthening bilateral ties with Lebanon.