Today Commissioner Dubravka Šuica will travel to Lebanon on her first mission to the Middle East. The visit comes as a reaffirmation of the EU’s strong support to the new political momentum in Lebanon; an occasion for all Lebanese to share the same national future as part of a common, peaceful and prosperous Lebanese destiny. The European Union continues to stand will Lebanon and the Lebanese people. The mission of the Commissioner will also serve as an opportunity to advance the wide consultations on the New Pact for the Mediterranean.

Commissioner Šuica will meet with the new political leadership, President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun; the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Nawaf Salam; the Speaker of Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Youssef Rajji.

In her meetings, Commissioner Šuica will discuss the priorities for the implementation of the EU support package. In particular, the Commissioner will exchange views with Lebanese leaders on the EU’s support for the implementation of critical economic and governance reforms, and the country’s recovery.

This visit takes place in the context of a series of high-level and wide consultations conducted by Commissioner Šuica aiming to shape the New Pact for the Mediterranean. The Pact - developed in close cooperation with Mediterranean partners, as well as Member States – has for objectives to address shared challenges, fostering people to people relations, economic growth, and strengthen regional security.