Beirut: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced Friday the reopening of its embassy in Beirut, marking an end to a diplomatic crisis that began in October 2021.

According to Anadolu Agency, a statement by the official Emirati news agency, WAM, noted that the UAE Foreign Ministry emphasized the move to resume diplomatic activities in Beirut is "in line with efforts to strengthen bilateral relations" between the two countries.

WAM quoted the ministry's under-secretary Omar Al-Shamsi, who stated that the reopening "represents an important step in advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, demonstrating the UAE's commitment to supporting the stability and development of Lebanon."

He mentioned that it "reflects the close fraternal ties between the two nations, and enhances opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, to achieve development and prosperity for both countries and peoples."

On January 13, an Emirati delegation arrived in Beirut to oversee arrangements for the reopening under the direction of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In October 2021, the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, severed ties with Lebanon following comments by then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kardahi about Saudi Arabia's and the UAE's role in the war on Yemen, which began in 2014.

Several reconciliatory steps have been taken by the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait, toward enhancing ties with Lebanon; marking a shift in the Gulf nations' position toward Lebanon after the election of Joseph Aoun as president on January 9.