(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Lebanese Culture Minister Raymond Araiji said on Monday that Qatari assistance to Lebanon will go beyond the current Arsal hostage crisis, with the country pledging to lift its travel advisory to Lebanon.
Araiji also says Qatar will assist in building a new central prison system in Lebanon.
Qatari officials have “confirmed their willingness to help Lebanon in many affairs,” said Araiji during a press conference.
The culture minister said that Qatari assistance would help “ Lebanon to bear the burden of Syrian displacement, and would also help build a central prison.”
Araiji also said that the “Qatari prince has announced that he is heading towards lifting the travel advisory,” after the country issued warnings to its citizens over traveling to Lebanon due to security concerns.
A Lebanese delegation headed by Prime Minister Tammam Salam met with the Qatari emir and prime minister in Doha last weekend.
The talks with Qatar are aimed at freeing the 22 Lebanese soldiers and policemen being held hostage by the Nusra Front and ISIS.
Qatar became involved in the hostage crisis two weeks ago, announcing it would be carrying out negotiations between the Lebanese state and the extremist groups that kidnapped at least 30 soldiers and police officers during clashes with the Army in Arsal last month.