Erdogan's son meets top Lebanese leaders as Turkey seeks greater influence

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son, Bilal Erdogan, has met Lebanon's top political and religious leaders during a visit aimed at strengthening Ankara's political, economic and cultural ties with Beirut, as Turkey seeks a greater role in the region.

Bilal Erdogan, who holds no official position in the Turkish government, arrived in Lebanon with a delegation of Turkish businessmen and institutions. A senior Lebanese government official told Middle East Eye that the visit was coordinated with the Lebanese state and focused on social and economic cooperation.

Invited by Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, who oversees relations with Turkey and Syria, Bilal met President Joseph Aoun and other senior figures. On Thursday, he held separate meetings with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Future Movement Vice President Bahia Hariri and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt.

Discussions covered potential joint projects involving Turkish companies and Lebanese state institutions, particularly in transport, trade and exports. The Lebanese official said Bilal also highlighted the security challenges posed by Israel and Turkey's role in connecting Lebanon and Syria.

On Friday, Bilal travelled to Tripoli, where he was welcomed by crowds carrying Turkish and Lebanese flags. According to Turkey's Anadolu Agency, he met Tripoli Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Imam, Alawi Islamic Council head Sheikh Ali Qaddour and Muslim and Christian religious leaders, including Maronite Archbishop Youssef Soueif and Greek Orthodox Archbishop Ephrem Kyriakos.

Speaking at the Lebanon-Turkey Strategic Leadership Dialogue, hosted by Lebanon's economy ministry, Bilal said the visit aimed to reaffirm the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He also called for stronger regional cooperation, saying stability in neighbouring countries, including Lebanon and Syria, was in Turkey's interest.

Although his meetings with senior officials have drawn attention to his growing international profile, sources close to Bilal told Middle East Eye that the visit had no political significance and was intended to promote cultural ties and friendship.