Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Lebanese expatriates in Jeddah celebrated the 74th Independence Day of their country on Monday. The event was organized on the new premises of the Lebanese Consulate General in Al-Basateen district.


Consul General Ziad Atallah promised his community that consular work would start in the new consulate premises in less than a month's time.

Atallah and his wife received Ambassador Jamal Balkhoyor, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Makkah Region branch, consuls general of many Arab and non-Arab countries as well as many Saudi and Lebanese businessmen and prominent members of society.

The ceremony began with the playing of Lebanese and Saudi national anthems.

Atallah praised and thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense.

“On behalf of the Lebanese community, all our praise and gratitude to Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Saudi state and the Saudi people on all the concern and the brotherly relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon.”

Atallah also commended the deep and long bilateral political and economic relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon and said the two countries share the same concern in facing dangers and challenges.

Atallah was pleased to review the conventions and achievements of the consulate to serve the Lebanese community during the past year and said over 1,000 passports were dispatched to the applicants through express mail. Also the basketball team won Independence Cup tournament.

He said 1,250 Lebanese were registered for voting in the coming parliamentary elections. He said the consulate successfully organized a poetry night and 40 businessmen participated in the Lebanese Diaspora Energy Conference in April.

Atallah announced that he has been appointed as the new Lebanese ambassador to Morocco.

Atallah, Balkhoyor, and consuls general cut the ceremonial celebration cake. Guests had the opportunity to listen to Lebanese folk songs and enjoy Lebanese desserts and sumptuous food.