Friday, May 27, 2016

U.S. Special Envoy for Energy Affairs Hochstein Visits Lebanon

May 26, 2016
The U.S. Department of State's Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs Amos J. Hochstein visited Lebanon May 26 to discuss Lebanese and regional energy issues with senior officials. He met with President of the Chamber of Deputies Nabih Berri, President of the Council of Ministers Tamam Salam, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Gebran Bassil, Minister of Energy and Water Arthur Nazarian, former Prime Minister, MP Saad Hariri, and UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag. Special Envoy Hochstein also delivered the keynote address at Lebanon's Third Forum on Oil and Gas, where he discussed global energy developments and the importance of eastern Mediterranean reserves in the world market.
In his meetings, Special Envoy Hochstein encouraged government officials to take advantage of Lebanon's potential to attract investment to successfully develop its hydrocarbon sector. Special Envoy Hochstein reaffirmed American support to Lebanon in its efforts to achieve economic growth and prosperity through transparent, sustainable development of its offshore energy prospects.