Measured in relation to its own population, no other country
in the world helps as many refugees as Lebanon. This small country has
provided refuge for over 1.5 million people fleeing war and terror in
Syria. Foreign Minister Steinmeier travelled to Beirut on Thursday (1
December) to demonstrate that Germany is a solid partner at Lebanon’s
side. During his visit, Steinmeier will also be able to see for himself
the situation of the people from Syria.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged Friday over $10
million in aid to help Lebanon cope with the influx of refugees after
meeting with President Michel Aoun and other officials. At a joint news
conference with his counterpart Gebran Bassil, Steinmeier commended the
Lebanese state for hosting over 1 million refugees and called on world
powers to respond to the needs of Lebanon and the refugees it hosts.
Prior to meeting with Lebanese officials, Steinmeier visited Syrian
refugees in Bar Elias, in the Bekaa Valley.

“Lebanon’s attitude to the many people being forced to flee from the
civil war in Syria deserves tremendous respect,” Foreign Minister
Steinmeier said before taking off for Beirut. The 4.8 million Lebanese
have to date taken in around 1.5 million refugees from Syria. “The
Lebanese people are generously sharing their lives with their Syrian
neighbours who have fled to Lebanon to escape war and violence,”
Steinmeier went on. The country is facing a mammoth task in caring for
these people. 70 percent of the refugees are living below the poverty
line, and only half of the children can go to school.

Germany is the biggest donor

Germany has therefore been making intensive efforts to support
Lebanon for years. As the world’s largest donor to the country, Germany
has made available a total of 689 million euros since 2012. German
assistance focuses on providing food, education, water and healthcare.
To this end, Germany cooperates closely with the United Nations aid
programmes. Germany will step up its efforts in future, particularly in
the field of education. Only with education and training can the
hundreds of thousands of refugee children and young people look with
hope to the future.

Education for refugee children

During his trip, Foreign Minister Steinmeier will first visit a
Syrian refugee settlement. Then he will go to a public school supported
by Germany and UNICEF. Together with Lebanese Education Minister Elias
Bou Saab, Steinmeier will hear about how Lebanese and Syrian children
learn together in the school. Foreign Minister Steinmeier will also have
talks with representatives of the numerous United Nations aid
organisations active in the region.

Anchor of stability

Germany and Lebanon are linked by much more than just their
engagement for the refugees from Syria. Steinmeier will discuss the
important partnership between Germany and Lebanon with the new Lebanese
President, Michel Aoun, and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil. “We have
every interest in Lebanon remaining an anchor of stability in this
unsettled region,” said Steinmeier. For two and a half years the country
was in domestic crisis and the presidency was vacant. Michel Aoun was
elected President a month ago. So there is now once again a foundation
from which to build a stable future for the country. “I hope that a new
Government can be formed soon,” Steinmeier said.