The Secretary-General met today with the Prime Minister of Lebanon on the side-lines of the Kuwait Donor Conference.

He thanked Lebanon for the generous and exemplary support to Syrian refugees and expressed the UN’s commitment to mitigate the impact on refugee and host communities alike.

The Secretary-General noted that the UN continues to urge donors to contribute to Lebanon. He commended the Prime Minister’s leadership in upholding national unity and said he hoped that the political parties would overcome their differences and resolve outstanding issues, including the election of a president.

The Secretary-General welcomed the renewed calm on the Blue Line and the recommitment by all sides to the cessation of hostilities.  He praised the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in preserving security and hoped for swift delivery of international support to the Army.

The Secretary-General thanked the Prime Minister for his engagement and support for the work of UN Special Coordinator, Sigrid Kaag, as well as the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, Major-General Luciano Portolano.