Press Release Development Minister Alabali Radovan visits Lebanon

    1 June 2026 | German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan is visiting Lebanon together with her Norwegian counterpart Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, in order to get a personal impression of how the country is being affected by the war between Hezbollah and Israel. The main focus of the two-day visit will be on the situation of the internally displaced persons in the country and on the efforts of the Lebanese government to continue pursuing its course of reforms despite the enduring crisis.

    Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan said, “Germany stands with the people in Lebanon. Together with partners like UNICEF and UNDP, we are providing swift assistance for people who are suffering the harsh realities of war and internal displacement. At the same time, we are supporting the reforms by the government aimed at strengthening the country in the long term. One thing is clear, however: people need more than emergency relief – they need peace, stability and prospects for the future. Displaced persons must be able to return home. For that to be possible, there has to be a reliable ceasefire and an end to the war.”

    Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Grøver Aukrust said, “Together with my German colleague, I am here to send a strong message of solidarity and support. To be here in Lebanon and to speak with people who have been forced to flee their homes and other victims of the conflict, makes a big impression on me. As always, the most vulnerable are hit the hardest. I am convinced that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah cannot be resolved by military force. And I am hopeful that current dialogue efforts will lead to a lasting ceasefire. We support the Lebanese government in this effort.”

    As part of her visit the Minister plans to hold political talks with President Joseph Aoun, Social Minister Haneen Sayed – who is also the minister responsible for coordinating the country’s crisis response – and Education Minister Rima Karami. The focus of the talks will be on how Europe can continue to provide support during the acute crisis – for internally displaced persons, emergency response and psychosocial measures – without however losing sight of long-term topics like the reform efforts and the development of state structures. The Minister will also be accompanied by UNICEF Deputy Executive Director - Partnerships, Kitty van der Heijden. The United Nations Children’s Fund is an important partner in Lebanon, working with Germany, for example, on education projects or on measures in emergency shelters for internally displaced persons.

    The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has been working closely with Lebanon for many years in areas such as the development of state institutions and economic development. After more than three months of war, the situation in Lebanon is dramatic – the country’s capacities are stretched to breaking point. Around one million people have been displaced, hundreds of thousands have fled to Syria. Homes and infrastructure have been destroyed, supply systems and services are on the brink of collapse. As a country with the biggest refugee population per capita in the world, providing for the many internally displaced persons in addition is a mammoth task for Lebanon. Many people are traumatised and conflicts are escalating in the overcrowded shelters. The devastating impacts of the war are hitting the country at a time of cautious hope that political change may be forthcoming. With this visit, Germany is underlining its continuing commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.