Preparations are in full swing as Lebanon gets ready to begin exploration operations for gas. The President of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, and the caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, were updated on the logistic readiness to commence drilling in Block 9 of the Lebanese territorial waters. This update came during a tour they conducted to the drilling platform aimed at exploring oil and gas. The platform had arrived in Block 9 of the Lebanese waters on August 14.
Joining them on this pivotal tour were Ali Hamia, the Minister of Public Works and Transport; Walid Fayyad, Minister of Energy and Water; Antoine Chakir, the General Director of the Presidential Palace; Wissam Dhahabi, the head of the Petroleum Sector Management Authority; and a delegation from the French company “Total.” Notably, Total leads a tripartite alliance to explore gas in Block 9.
The Lebanese delegation transitioned from Rafik Hariri International Airport directly to the drilling platform in southern Lebanese waters, courtesy of a helicopter provided by Total.
Berri, in a statement today, expressed that despite the prevailing challenges in the country, this marks a day of joy. He has been working towards this day for several years, referencing the framework agreement announced from Ain el-Tineh on October 1, 2020. “I pray to God that within a few months, Lebanon will be blessed with an influx that will mark the beginning of the end for the economic crisis plaguing Lebanon and its people. We also hope for the consensus of the Lebanese on electing a president who will initiate a political solution to the challenges we face,” Berri added.
Meanwhile, PM Mikati voiced his optimism, hoping that the coming days bring good omens that assist Lebanon in tackling the myriad of crises it endures. “What has been achieved so far is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Lebanese people,” he stated. Mikati further called on everyone to cooperate in the next phase to uplift Lebanon and halt the deterioration it witnesses on all fronts.
