Saudi Arabia, Gulf countries express solidarity with Lebanon over Beirut explosion

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia said it was “following with great concern the repercussions of the explosion that occurred” in Lebanon after two massive explosions in Beirut’s port on Tuesday.

The two blasts killed dozens of people, with the death toll expected to rise, and injured thousands. The blast was felt across the city and damaged several buildings and roads.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the Kingdom’s full support and solidarity with the “brotherly Lebanese people ... and to protect Lebanon from all harm,” it said in a statement issued by Saudi Press Agency.

The Kingdom’s government also expressed its sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and those injured in the attack, wishing them a speedy recovery.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab called on “friendly countries” to support the country already reeling from its worst economic crisis in decades as well as the coronavirus pandemic.

Several other Gulf countries issued similar statements.

The UAE’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed tweeted his condolences to the victims, saying: “We pray that God grants you patience and solace. God bless Lebanon and the Lebanese people.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with our Lebanese brothers and sisters during these trying times. We pray that God grants you patience and solace. God bless Lebanon and the Lebanese people.

— (@MohamedBinZayed) August 4, 2020

Meanwhile, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted that “our hearts are with Beirut and its people.”

He posted the tribute alongside an image of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, illuminated in the colors of the Lebanese flag.

“Our prayers during these difficult hours are that God... protects brotherly Lebanon and the Lebanese to reduce their affliction and heal their wounds,” he wrote.

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered directives to send aid to Lebanon to assist with the recovery, while Bahrain said it “extremely distressed by the terrible explosion.” It also asked those in need of assistance to contact their embassy.

The cause of the blasts is unknown but it is believed they came from an old weapons depot belonging to Hezbollah.

(With AFP)

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