PM Salam highlights diplomatic meetings in New York, calls for Israeli withdrawal and international presence in south Lebanon

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam published a video highlighting his meetings and activities over the past two days following the opening of the U.N. General Assembly.

In a post on X, Salam said he participated in the U.S.-led multilateral summit alongside Gulf Cooperation Council states, Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Turkey. He also chaired the high-level "Beyond Crises" meeting, jointly convened by Lebanon, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme.

Salam held meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Vice President Abdullah al-Alimi, EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy.

The talks focused on stepping up efforts to de-escalate tensions and spare Lebanon and the region further confrontation, while strengthening Lebanon's Arab, regional and international relations based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference and mutual interests.

Discussions also covered expanding economic and investment cooperation and regional connectivity, particularly in energy, electricity, transportation and infrastructure, as well as drawing on international expertise to modernize Lebanon's public administration and digitize government services.

Salam reaffirmed efforts to advance reforms, strengthen state institutions, extend state authority across all Lebanese territory and ensure that weapons and decisions of war and peace remain exclusively in the hands of the state.

On southern Lebanon, Salam stressed the need for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and an end to attacks to help restore stability and allow residents to return to their towns and villages.

Regarding UNIFIL, Salam called for preparations for the period after the force's mission ends to avoid any vacuum in the south. He said a formula should ensure a continued international presence responsible for monitoring, reporting and communication under a U.N. Security Council mandate.

Salam also called for mobilizing support for recovery and reconstruction efforts to restore essential services, consolidate residents' return and strengthen resilience in affected areas.