President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, received Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon Koen Vervaeke at his office in downtown Beirut, in the presence of Political Adviser Carol Zouein. They discussed local and regional developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Makhzoumi reiterated the importance of keeping Lebanon neutral and out of any conflict, especially given the difficult social conditions and near-collapse of the economy amid the presidential vacuum and the lack of functioning state institutions. He stressed the importance of fully implementing all provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. He added that electing a President of the Republic has become more than necessary; it is an urgent national priority in light of regional developments. He also emphasized the need to form a government capable of implementing the necessary reforms to rescue the economy and put it back on the right track.

Makhzoumi also called on the ambassador to work toward strengthening Lebanese-Belgian relations and improving economic cooperation and trade between the two countries, particularly given that Brussels is the capital of the European Union and home to its institutions.