Beirut, October 16 (QNA) - Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Lebanon Amin Salam valued the State of Qatar's support for Lebanon amidst the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Minister said Qatar's role in support of Lebanon exemplified complete devotion. Qatar has always backed Lebanon in all difficult circumstances, and now during the Israeli aggression, through political positions calling for ending the aggression, as well as relief and medical aid.

Minister Salam highlighted Qatar's keenness to rebuild Lebanon's institutions and support the Lebanese army, and its diplomatic and political role as part of the Quintet Committee on Lebanon to resolve the issue of presidential vacuum.

He also praised the role of Qatar's private sector which supports Lebanon in boosting investments and trade.

Regarding fears of food shortages if the aggression extends to vital facilities and crossings in Lebanon, Salam reassured that the Ministry of Economy and Trade had developed an emergency plan three years ago, ensuring the availability of goods in the country with a stock sufficient for three to five months. He noted that all food shipments arrive regularly at the ports of Beirut and Tripoli, and a number of other small ports.

He pointed to a plan that was coordinated with the UNIFIL and the United Nations to open channels for the entry of food supplies in the event of a blockade due to the Israeli aggression, especially by sea.

Minister Salam noted the Ministry of Economy and Trade's role in ensuring the aid coming to Lebanon, through communication with the international community, primarily the Arab countries that worked with the ministry to expedite the launch of daily air aid bridges, including the State of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq.

In conclusion of his interview with QNA, Lebanon's Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam called on the international community to end the Israeli aggression and support Lebanon. (QNA)