Foreign relations of Lebanon

The foreign policy of Lebanon reflects its geographic location, the composition of its population, and its reliance on commerce and trade. Until 2005, Lebanon's foreign policy had been heavily influenced by Syria. The framework for relations was first codified in May 1991, when Lebanon and Syria signed a treaty of mutual cooperation. This treaty came out of the Taif Agreement, which stipulated that "Lebanon is linked to Syria by distinctive ties deriving strength from kinship, history, and common interests." The Lebanese-Syria treaty calls for "coordination and cooperation between the two countries" that would serve the "interests of the two countries within the framework of sovereignty and independence of each." Numerous agreements on political, economic, security, and judicial affairs have followed over the years.

Politics of Lebanon
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 Lebanon portal

After Syria's military withdrawal in 2005, Lebanon's foreign policy charted a more independent course.

Bilateral relations

Africa
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Algeria1962
  • Algeria has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Algiers.
 Côte d'Ivoire4 October 1961

Approximately 100,000 people of Lebanese origin reside in Côte d'Ivoire. 21 April 1961 established Embassy of Lebanon in Abidjan

 Democratic Republic of CongoJune 1972
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Kinshasa.
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo has an consulate in Beirut.
 Egypt30 November 1944, severed diplomatic relations 26 April 1979, restored 28 June 198930 November 1944 was opened Legation of Lebanon in Cairo
  • Egypt has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Cairo and a consulate-general in Alexandria.
 Ethiopia31 July 194931 July 1949 was accredited first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Lebanon Mr. Fitaorari Tafesse Habte Mikael
  • Ethiopia has a consulate-general in Beirut.
 Ghana30 March 195919 September 1958 established Legation of Lebanon in Accra, who raised to level Embassy on 21 April 1961
  • Ghana is accredited to Lebanon from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Accra.
 Guinea3 June 19603 June 1960 appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Lebanon to Guinea with residence in Monrovia
  • Guinea is accredited to Lebanon from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Conakry.
 Morocco14 February 1957
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Rabat.
  • Morocco has an embassy in Beirut.
 Nigeria8 January 19618 January 1961 Lebanese Consulate in Lagos was raised to level Embassy. Nigeria opened its Embassy in Beirut in 1982
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Abuja.
  • Nigeria has an embassy in Beirut.
 Senegal22 April 1961

Approximately 30,000 people of Lebanese origin reside in Senegal. 22 April 1961 Lebanese Consulate General in Dakar was raised to level Embassy

 Sierra Leone27 April 1961

Approximately 30,000 people of Lebanese origin reside in Sierra Leone. 27 April 1961 Lebanese Consulate General in Freetown was raised to status Embassy

 South Africa18 november 1995
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Pretoria.
  • South Africa is accredited to Lebanon from its embassy in Damascus, Syria.
 Sudan5 March 1957
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Khartoum.
  • Sudan has an embassy in Beirut.
 Tunisia1957
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Tunis.
  • Tunisia has an embassy in Beirut.

Americas
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Argentina22 November 1945, Exchange of NotesSee Argentina–Lebanon relations
 BrazilNovember 1945See Brazil–Lebanon relations
 Canada26 August 1954See Canada–Lebanon relations

Canada established diplomatic relations with Lebanon in 1954, when Canada deployed "Envoy Extraordinaire" to Beirut. In 1958, Canada sent its first Ambassador. The Embassy was closed in 1985 and reopened in January 1995. Lebanon opened a consulate in Canada in 1946. A Consulate-General replaced the Consulate in 1949, and an embassy was opened in Ottawa in 1958.

 Chile28 June 1945See Chile–Lebanon relations
 Colombia1948
 Cuba1 August 1946
  • Cuba has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Havana.
 El Salvador29 July 1952, severed diplomatic relations 10 May 1984, restored 25 September 2007
  • El Salvador is accredited to Lebanon from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.
  • Lebanon is accredited to El Salvador from its embassy in Mexico City.
 MexicoJune 12, 1945See Lebanon–Mexico relations
  • Mexico was among the first nations to recognize Lebanon's independence in 1943.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Mexico City.[7]
  • Mexico has an embassy in Beirut.[8]
  • The Centro Libanés and "Club Deportivo Libanés" in Mexico City are important symbols representing the historically cultural and social ties between both countries.
  • See also Lebanese Mexicans.
 Panama30 April 1946
  • Panama has a consulate-general in Beirut.
 Paraguay12 May 1950
 United States16 November 1944See Lebanon–United States relations

The United States' interaction with Lebanon extends back to events such as the 1958 Lebanon crisis, which it sent in troops to fortify the government's position. Lebanon's southern neighbor, Israel, has also sent troops on several occasions, and attacked into Lebanon in response to Hezbollah kidnapping two Israeli soldiers. A possible source of friction between the U.S. and Lebanon is that most of Israel's weaponry is US-made, arguing possible US complicity in Israel's attacks.

  • Lebanon has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and consulates-general in Detroit, Los Angeles and New York City.[9]
  • United States has an embassy in Beirut.[10]
  • See also Lebanese Americans
 UruguayOctober 25, 1945See Lebanon–Uruguay relations
  • Uruguay recognized Lebanon's independence on November 22, 1943.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Montevideo.
  • Uruguay has an embassy in Beirut.[11]
  • See also Lebanese Uruguayans
 Venezuela10 July 1946

Asia
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Armenia1992-03-04 See Armenia–Lebanon relations

Lebanon is host to the eighth largest Armenian population in the world. During the 2006 Lebanon War, Armenia announced that it would send humanitarian aid to Lebanon. According to the Armenian government, an unspecified amount of medicines, tents and fire-fighting equipment was allocated to Lebanese authorities on July 27, 2006.[12][13] On May 11, 2000, the Lebanese parliament voted to recognize the Armenian genocide.[14] Lebanon is the first Arab country and one of the few countries of the world to have done so.

  • Armenia has embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Yerevan.
 Azerbaijan18 September 1992See Azerbaijan–Lebanon relations
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Beirut.
 Bahrain29 May 1972
  • Bahrain has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Manama.
 China9 November 1971
  • China has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Beijing.

In June 2020, Lebanon was one of 53 countries that backed the Hong Kong national security law at the United Nations.[15]

China opened the first Confucius Institute in the Middle East in Lebanon in 2006.[16]

 India1948See India-Lebanon relations
  • India has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in New Delhi.
 Indonesia1950See Indonesia–Lebanon relations
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Jakarta.
 Iran1944See Iran–Lebanon relations
  • Iran has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Tehran.
 Iraq24 February 1944See Iraq–Lebanon relations 24 February 1944 first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Iraq to Lebanon Mr. Tahsin Kadri presented his credentials as first foreign diplomatic representatives, who presented his letters of credentials to President Lebanon Mr.Bechara Khoury.

Lebanon and Iraq share the same language and mutual support for each other in conflicts, Lebanon's relations with Iraq have at most times been cold. Issues include the Lebanese Government's strong material and political assistance of Hezbollah and ongoing clashes in Iraq between the Sunnis and Shias.

  • Iraq has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Baghdad.
 IsraelSee Israel–Lebanon relations
 JapanNovember 1954
  • Japan has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Tokyo.
 JordanSeptember 1946See Jordan–Lebanon relations
  • Jordan has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Amman.
 Kazakhstan20 April 1993
 Kuwait27 September 1961
 Malaysia1965See Lebanon–Malaysia relations
 PakistanSeptember 1948See Lebanon–Pakistan relations
  • Pakistan does not recognize Israel, which has hostile relations with Lebanon, as a legitimate country.[19]
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Islamabad.
  • Pakistan has an embassy in Beirut.
 Palestine27 November 2008
  • Palestine has an embassy in Beirut.
 Qatar11 April 1972
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Doha.
  • Qatar has an embassy in Beirut.
 Saudi Arabia9 April 1944See Lebanon–Saudi Arabia relations
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Riyadh and a consulate-general in Jeddah.
  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Beirut.
 South KoreaFebruary 12, 1981
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Seoul.
  • South Korea has an embassy in Beirut.
 Syria13 August 2008See Lebanon–Syria relations 15 October 2008 opened Embassies in both countries

The relationship between these two neighboring countries in Western Asia is complex: Syria has had troops stationed in Lebanon and has exerted political influence in the nation for many years.[20] However, Syria has only officially recognised Lebanon's sovereignty recently.[21]

 Turkey8 March 1946See Lebanon–Turkey relations
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Beirut.
 United Arab Emirates8 january 1972See Lebanon–United Arab Emirates relations
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Beirut.

Europe

Lebanon concluded negotiations on an association agreement with the European Union in late 2001, and both sides initialed the accord in January 2002, the accord becoming known as the EU-Lebanon Association Agreement. The EU-Lebanon Action Plan from January 19, 2007, gave a new impetus to bilateral relations in the framework of the European Neighborhood Policy.

Lebanon is one of the main Mediterranean beneficiaries of community assistance and the EU through its various instruments is Lebanon's leading donor. Starting from 2007 financial support is channeled through the European Neighborhood Policy Instrument. A Lebanon Country Strategy Paper 2007–2013 and a National Indicative Program 2007–2010 have been adopted by the EU. The assistance provided was refocused after the Second Lebanon War to engage in real help for the government and the society in reconstruction and reform of the country.[22]

Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Bulgaria1966-09-19
 Denmark1953
  • Denmark has an embassy in Beirut.[25]
  • Lebanon is accredited to Denmark from its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.[26]
 France21 November 1944See France–Lebanon relations

In 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered ties with Syria to be suspended until proof Damascus was not interfering in the Lebanese political crisis was established.[27] A week after Sarkozy's statement in Cairo, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al Muallem announced Syria was ceasing their ties with France.[28] "Syria has decided to cease cooperation with France on the Lebanese crisis" said Mouallem. In July 2008, France and Syria decided to open embassies in each other's countries.[29] In April 2009, French and Lebanese officials approved the framework of a security agreement that besides improving bilateral relations include drugs and arms trafficking, illegal immigration and cyber-crime.[30]

  • France has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon as an embassy in Paris and a consulate-general in Marseille.
 Germany20 May 1953
  • Germany has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Berlin.
 Greece1947See Greece–Lebanon relations

The relation between both people dates back to early antiquity, with the early trading activities between the ancient Greeks and the Phoenicians. In modern times, Greek-Lebanese bilateral relations are very good at all levels. Greece has an embassy in Beirut and Lebanon has an embassy in Athens. Both countries are members of the Union for the Mediterranean and the Francophonie.

  • Greece has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Athens.
  Holy See17 March 1947See Holy See–Lebanon relations

The Holy See has played a major role in the peace negotiations of Lebanon. It has sought to unify Christian factions that were separated after the Lebanese civil war. At the same time, it sought to reduce Christian-Muslim tensions and to preserve Christian communities that have been declining in many parts of Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East.

  • Holy See has a nunciature in Harissa.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Rome accredited to the Holy See.
 Ireland1 January 1974
  • Ireland is accredited to Lebanon from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.
  • Lebanon is accredited to Ireland from its embassy in London, UK.
 Italy20 November 1946See Italy–Lebanon relations

Lebanon opened a legation in 1946, which was transformed into an embassy in 1955. Both countries signed a Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Navigation in 1949. Rome supported the reconstruction of Lebanon after the Taef Agreement. Also, Italian companies, from almost all sectors, operate in Lebanon.

  • Italy has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Rome.
 Netherlands4 November 1949
  • Lebanon has an embassy in The Hague.
  • Netherlands has an embassy in Beirut.
 Poland20 October 1956 (before from 1 August 1944 to 20 October 1956 Lebanon has diplomatic relations with the Polish government in exile in London)
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Warsaw.
  • Poland has an embassy in Beirut.
 RomaniaJanuary 6, 1965See Lebanon–Romania relations
 Russia3 August 1944See Lebanon–Russia relations
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Moscow.
  • Russia has an embassy in Beirut.
 Spain5 March 1948See Lebanon–Spain relations
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Madrid.
  • Spain has an embassy in Beirut.
 Sweden 24 June 1947 24 June 1947 accredited first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Sweden to Lebanon with residence in Baghdad Mr. Widar Bagge
  • Lebanon has an Embassy in Stockholm
  • Sweden has an Embassy in Beirut
 United Kingdom27 March 1942
  • Lebanon has an embassy in London.
  • United Kingdom has an embassy in Beirut.

Oceania
Country Formal Relations Began Notes
 Australia20 February 196720 February 1967 opened Australian Embassy in Beirut
  • 74,000 Lebanese-born people live in Australia, mainly in Sydney, and there are more people of Lebanese descent including Marie Bashir, Steve Bracks and Hazem El Masri.
  • Australia has a modest trade relationship with Lebanon and has also given foreign aid in the aftermath of the Lebanese civil war of 1975–1990.
  • Australia has an embassy in Beirut.
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Canberra and consulates-general in Melbourne and Sydney.
 New Zealand25 November 198025 November 1980 first Lebanese Ambassador to New Zealand with residence in Canberra Mr. Raymond Heneine presented his letters of credentials to Governor General of New Zealand
  • Lebanon is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Canberra, Australia.
  • New Zealand is accredited to Lebanon from its embassy in Cairo, Egypt.

See also

References and footnotes
  • Eisenberg, Laura Zittrain; Caplan, Neil (1998). Negotiating Arab-Israeli Peace: Patterns, Problems, Possibilities. Indiana University Press. ISBN 0-253-21159-X.
  • Schiff, Ze'ev; Ya'ari, Ehud (1984). Israel's Lebanon War. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0-671-47991-1.
  • Shlaim, Avi (2001). The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World. W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN 0-393-32112-6.
  1. Embassy of Argentina in Lebanon
  2. Embassy of Lebanon in Argentina
  3. Embassy of Brazil in Lebanon
  4. Embassy of Lebanon in Brazil
  5. "Embassy of Canada in Lebanon". Archived from the original on November 19, 2017. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  6. Embassy of Lebanon in Canada
  7. Embassy of Lebanon in Mexico City (in Arabic and Spanish)
  8. Embassy of Mexico in Beirut (in Spanish)
  9. "Embassy of Lebanon in the United States". Archived from the original on May 17, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  10. Embassy of the United States in Lebanon
  11. Embassy of Uruguay in Lebanon
  12. Armenia To Provide Relief To Lebanon, Armenialiberty.org
  13. Armenia Sent Humanitarian Assistance To Lebanon, PanArmenian.Net
  14. International Affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, Armenia Foreign Ministry
  15. Lawler, Dave (July 2, 2020). "The 53 countries supporting China's crackdown on Hong Kong". Axios. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  16. Yellinek, Roie; Mann, Yossi; Lebel, Udi (November 1, 2020). "Chinese Soft-Power in the Arab world – China's Confucius Institutes as a central tool of influence". Comparative Strategy. 39 (6): 517–534. doi:10.1080/01495933.2020.1826843. ISSN 0149-5933.
  17. "Lebanese Embassies, Missions, Consulates, Honorary Consulates abroad" (PDF). Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of the Republic of Lebanon. p. 13. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  18. "Official Website of Embassy of Malaysia, Beirut". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
  19. Messages to Lebanon Pakistan MOFA
  20. "BBC NEWS – Middle East – Q&: Syria and Lebanon". Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  21. Ten steps to Syria-Lebanon ties BBC News
  22. Republic of Lebanon Archived December 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. European Commission: External Relations
  23. Bulgarian embassy in Beirut
  24. Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: direction of the Lebanese embassy in Sofia
  25. Libanon Danske kontaktoplysninger
  26. "Lebanon Embassy in Stockholm". Retrieved February 21, 2015.
  27. "France to cut Syria ties over Lebanon presidential crisis". Haaretz. December 30, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  28. "France and Syria divorce over Lebanon crises". Ya Libnan. LB. January 2, 2008. Archived from the original on March 8, 2008. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  29. "International News". ABC news. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  30. "Naharnet — Lebanon's leading news destination". Naharnet. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
  31. "Republica Libaneză" (in Romanian). Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved August 10, 2020.

Representations of foreign nations in Lebanon

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