Lebanon–United Kingdom relations
Lebanon |
United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Embassy of Lebanon, London | Embassy of the United Kingdom, Beirut |
Lebanon–United Kingdom relations are the bilateral relations between Lebanon and the United Kingdom. Bilaterally the two countries have an Association Agreement,[1] and a Development Partnership.[2]
Economic relations
| Association Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the one part, and the Lebanese Republic, of the other part | |
|---|---|
| Type | Free trade agreement |
| Context | Trade continuity agreement between Lebanon and the United Kingdom |
| Signed | 19 September 2019 |
| Location | London, England, United Kingdom |
| Effective | 1 January 2021 |
| Negotiators |
|
| Parties | |
| Language | |
The Association Agreement between the United Kingdom and Lebanon was signed on 29 September 2020 in London. The Lebanon–United Kingdom Association Agreement was established to safeguard and enhance trade relations between the UK and Lebanon following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. Both governments were directly represented at its signing. The agreement is bilingual, with English and Arabic texts holding equal validity and authority. It ensures tariff-free trade on goods, promotes cooperation on regulations and standards, and preserves vital economic ties between the two countries. The use of both languages in its administration supports clarity and effective implementation. This accord guarantees continuity and stability in trade, bringing mutual economic benefits to both the UK and Lebanon.
From 1 March 2003 until 30 December 2020, trade between Lebanon and the UK was governed by the European Communities–Lebanon Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement, while the United Kingdom was a member of the European Union.[3][4]
Following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the UK and Lebanon signed the Lebanon–United Kingdom Association Agreement on 19 September 2019. The Lebanon–United Kingdom Association Agreement is a continuity trade agreement, based on the EU free trade agreement, which entered into force on 1 January 2021. Trade value between Lebanon and the United Kingdom was worth £771 million in 2022.[5]
Diplomatic missions
See also
References
- ^ Department for International Trade; Burns, Conor (19 September 2019). "UK and Lebanon sign trade continuity agreement". GOV.UK (Press release). Archived from the original on 19 September 2019. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ^ Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (17 July 2023). "Country and regional development partnership summaries". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
- ^ "Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Community and its Members States, of the one part, and the Republic of Lebanon, of the other part". Council of the European Union. Archived from the original on 3 July 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ "EU - Lebanon". World Trade Organization. Archived from the original on 22 June 2025. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ Department for International Trade (3 November 2022). "UK trade agreements in effect". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 17 January 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
- ^ Diplomat Magazine (31 March 2020). "Lebanon". Diplomat Magazine. Archived from the original on 21 June 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
- ^ "British Embassy Beirut". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 2 August 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.