Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday announced “the government’s commitment to restoring normal relations between Lebanon and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries”, stressing that “the phone call with the Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, falls within this framework.”

In an issued statement, Premier Mikati said: “I renew the Lebanese government’s commitment to take the necessary and required measures to enhance cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Lebanon’s commitment to all decisions of the Arab League and of the international legitimacy, and to commit to serious and concrete work to follow up and complete the implementation of its provisions in a manner that guarantees Lebanon’s civil peace and national stability and fortifies its unity.”

Mikati also stressed “the need to stop all political, military, security and media activities that affect the sovereignty, security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, originating from Lebanon.”

The Prime Minister also renewed “commitment to take all measures to prevent the smuggling, especially drugs, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, directly or indirectly.”

He also confirmed “Lebanon’s commitment to the Riyadh agreement for judicial cooperation and the extradition of wanted persons to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, indicating that “the Lebanese government will spare no effort to prevent the use of Lebanese financial and banking channels to carry out financial transactions that may affect the security of the Kingdom and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.”

Mikati also stressed “commitment to the provisions of the Kuwaiti initiative.”