Business agenda: Russia and Lebanon decided to restore economic ties

Russia and Lebanon intend to intensify trade and economic cooperation after a long-term pause. In May, the parties plan to hold the first meeting of the Russian-Lebanese intergovernmental commission since 2018. It should give a new impetus to relations against the background of regional escalation, Israeli airstrikes and sanctions pressure. This was reported to Izvestia by the Russian Embassy in Beirut. The resumption of the commission's work represents an important step to overcome the stalling of joint projects and restore business ties amid the ongoing crisis in Lebanon.

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Russia and Lebanon are preparing to restart the trade and economic dialogue and return the bilateral agenda to a practical course. Against the background of the ongoing airstrikes by the IDF, the socio-economic situation in Lebanon remains extremely difficult, which directly affects the possibilities of foreign economic cooperation.

The Russian Embassy in Beirut noted that for several years now, trade between the two countries has shown unstable dynamics: "In recent years, we have observed noticeable fluctuations in the volume of bilateral trade."

In 2021, it amounted to more than $542 million, an increase of 65.5% compared to 2020. The activity of Russian export products has continued in recent years: according to the federal center Agroexport, in the first five months of 2025, the supply of agricultural products reached about 220 thousand tons worth over $ 62 million, which is 35% more than in the same period of the previous year.

The embassy explained that the results of the trade were affected by the consequences of the financial and economic crisis in Lebanon, the military escalation with Israel, as well as the illegitimate Western sanctions imposed on Russia.

"In this regard, the embassy pays special attention to the intensification of the activities of the Russian-Lebanese Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic cooperation, which is a key mechanism for developing business ties with Beirut," the diplomatic mission said.

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The Embassy clarified that in May 2025, the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Amir Bsat was appointed the new chairman of the Lebanese part of the IPC. On July 1, he held a videoconference meeting with the Russian co—chairman of the commission, Anton Shalaev, head of the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology. Following the consultations, the parties agreed to give a new impetus to the work of the commission.

— Our side has once again confirmed its readiness to hold the fifth meeting of the IPC in Russia. Possible dates for Amir Bsat's visit are currently being worked out. Among the options being considered are the participation of the minister and his accompanying delegation in the XVII International Economic Forum "Russia — the Islamic World: KazanForum" in May 2026 and the organization of a regular meeting of the IPC on the sidelines of the Kazan event, the embassy told Izvestia.

The last meeting of the intergovernmental commission was held in Beirut in 2018. Based on its results, the countries identified key areas for further cooperation, including energy, the agro-industrial sector, the food and metallurgical industries, construction, healthcare, as well as tourism and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

At that time, the parties put on paper concrete steps to develop business ties, but their implementation was threatened by a series of crises. The mass protests of 2019, the resignation of the government, the financial collapse, the coronavirus pandemic, and then the military actions in the region led to a sharp slowdown in bilateral cooperation.

Lebanon is interested in cooperation with Russia

The two countries will probably focus on the energy agenda. Lebanon, which is experiencing an acute shortage of fuel and electricity, is interested in cooperation with Russia as a major supplier of oil and gas, as well as in the development of energy projects. Russian companies have experience working in such conditions, and Russian products — from grain to medicines — are traditionally in demand in Middle Eastern countries.

A parliamentary source for Izvestia in Lebanon previously stated that Beirut considers Russia as one of the potential participants in the country's reconstruction process along with Western states. According to him, the Lebanese authorities are interested in diversifying foreign economic relations and do not want to limit themselves exclusively to the American and European track.

At the same time, the internal political and military-political situation in the republic remains unstable. Israel continues to violate the terms of the truce, maintaining a military presence at five positions in the country. Earlier, the Lebanese authorities announced the completion of the first phase of Hezbollah's disarmament south of the Litani River. The Government claims that the army has completed its tasks and deployed units throughout the south of the country, with the exception of areas where the Israeli presence remains.

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According to the Lebanese Armed Forces command, more than 10,000 troops are deployed in the region at about 200 positions. However, the Israeli side calls this information into question. An Israeli military source earlier told Izvestia that, according to their information, the infrastructure of the armed formations has not been completely eliminated and attempts are being made to restore it, including in areas south of Litani.

Jamal Wakim, a professor at the Lebanese University, believes that the increasing pressure from Israel is aimed at forcing Lebanon to enter into a direct dialogue with the Jewish state, which, in his assessment, is what the United States is seeking.

At the same time, the expert points out in an interview with Izvestia that the potential for further escalation remains, but the current level of tension has already reached its maximum. Despite the losses suffered, Hezbollah still has deterrence resources, which reduces the likelihood of a sharp escalation.

The Lebanese Army will continue to neutralize unexploded ordnance and tunnels, and will take measures to prevent the armed groups from regaining their potential. At the same time, Beirut blames the ongoing Israeli strikes, the continued foreign military presence and the regular disruptions of the ceasefire agreement concluded in November 2024 for delaying the process.