The meeting focused on the situation in Lebanon and the plight of refugees in the region. Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri to Berlin. One important point on the agenda was how to address the conflict in Syria at political level.

Standstill overcome

At the end of 2016 the Lebanese government was established and took office as a National Accord Government. In view of the massive challenges in the region this was an important step. It is a government that reflects the population of the country and the different religious communities in Lebanon, underscored Angela Merkel in a joint statement with Saad Hariri.

The Chancellor pointed out that Lebanon has demonstrated an enormous will to provide humanitarian support, taking in more than one million refugees. Lebanon has a population of only four million.

Keeping the entire country in view

Germany provided Lebanon with 386 million euros last year to help the country address the refugee crisis. But the Lebanese population needs assistance, alongside the refugees, said the Chancellor. "It is important not to create the impression that the international community is only looking after the refugees, but to make it clear that we have the entire country in view."

Germany is supporting the refugee relief work of the United Nations and other organisations operating in Lebanon. The provision of medical care and education are two of the focuses of German support.

The work of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Lebanon concentrates on:

• Education: Rehabilitating schools and improving the learning environment in state schools serving Lebanese and Syrian children
• Employment: Enhancing both the employability of job-seekers in Lebanon and the functioning of the Lebanese labour market
• Water: Support for Syrian families and host communities in Lebanon in the field of water supply.

Syria conference in Brussels

Angela Merkel also pointed to the "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region" conference that is to take place in Brussels on 5 April. Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sigmar Gabriel, will be attending. Germany is co-hosting the conference, as it did the London conference on Syria last year.