Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny held a press conference in the departures hall at Rafic Hariri International Airport on the occasion of receiving a Qatari donation for the airport, in the presence of Qatar's Ambassador Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani and the US Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires Keith Hannigan. Minister Rasamny announced “the opening of the eastern gate of the departure base,” and stressed that “despite all the circumstances, Beirut Airport will not stop working,” and thanked Qatar for its donation, stressing that “this gratitude will increase.” He said: "Qatar is always by our side, especially with our economic problems and burdens and our long list of requirements." As for the Qatari Ambassador, he thanked Minister Rasamny and the airport workers for their “efforts to serve this vital facility.”