President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited the Grand Mufti of the Republic, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at Dar Al-Fatwa. He was accompanied by the Head of the National Dialogue Party’s Political Bureau and former Ambassador, Dr. Bassam Al-Naamani; the Party’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Duraid Oweidat; the Party’s Administrative Director, Mr. Talal Al-Qaisi; and the Director General of the Makhzoumi Foundation, Samer Al-Safah. They discussed the general situation in Lebanon and the region.

Following the meeting, Makhzoumi said the visit was intended to congratulate His Eminence on the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. He expressed his hope that this year would bring goodness and blessings to Lebanon and the Lebanese people, and voiced confidence that the new government would steer the country toward safety and stability.

Makhzoumi addressed the deteriorating social and economic conditions, emphasizing the need for coordination among civil society associations and organizations to help communities weather the difficult circumstances Lebanon is facing. He stressed that the Makhzoumi Foundation is making every effort in this regard and remains ready to extend a helping hand to all.

Regarding Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon on February 18, Makhzoumi expressed hope that the new government would provide the Lebanese Army with full support to implement international resolutions, foremost among them UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its provisions. He stressed the importance of demonstrating to the international community that Lebanon is taking all necessary measures, while preparing the ground to secure the support needed to rebuild the south.

Separately, Makhzoumi rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks concerning the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. He stated: “We stand alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and fully support its efforts.” He recalled the Land for Peace Initiative launched by the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz from Beirut in 2002 and reaffirmed the importance of establishing a Palestinian state.