Lebanon » International Relations

Membership of international groupings/ organisations   International Monetary Fund (IMF)   International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)   World Tourism Organisation (WTO)   World health Organisation (WHO)   United Nations (UN)

Lebanon's Relations with Neighbours

Besides Israel, Lebanon's most significant regional relationship is with Syria. As explained above Lebanon’s relationship with Syria has been going through a transformation since the recent departure of Syrian troops in april 2005. This was the first time since 1976 that Syrian forces have not been present in Lebanon.

There is a large and active Lebanese community in the United Kingdom.

Trade and Investment with the UK

Lebanon has not been a traditional market for UK exports. However, the Lebanese government has made it clear that they want the UK to be fully involved in the country's reconstruction programme and UK performance was strong in the nineties. Since that time our exports have declined (in line with our competitors) as progress on the Middle East Peace Process has faltered.

Our main exports are medicinal and pharmaceutical products; petroleum; petroleum products and related materials; power generating machinery and equipment; telecommunications sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment; and beverages. Lebanon's main exports to the UK are metal ores and scrap; beverages; telecommunications & sound recording, reproducing apparatus and equipment; paper, paperboard and pulp; and miscellaneous manufactured articles.