Lebanese expats mark Independence Day
Lebanese expats mark Independence Day
November 27, 2016 | 12:09 AM
Lebanese Consul General Ziad Atallah welcomes guests to the Independence Day celebration.
November 27, 2016 | 12:09 AM
Last Updated: November 27, 2016 | 12:09 AM
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By Samar Yahya
JEDDAH — Lebanese expatriates in Jeddah celebrated the 73rd Independence Day of their country on Tuesday. 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 the consulate will start providing various consular services from the new premises the next day of President Michel Aoun's visit to Jeddah.
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Mohammad Ahmad Al-Tayeb, director feneral of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Makkah region branch, addressing the function.
[/caption] In fact this was the third year the Independence Day celebrations were being held there even the new premises have not been formally opened yet. Atallah and his wife received Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Al-Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Makkah region and Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), consuls general of many Arab and non-Arab countries as well as Saudi and Lebanese businessmen and other prominent figures who came to attend the function. The ceremony began with Lebanese and Saudi national anthems. Atallah congratulated the Lebanese on the presidential elections and naming of Saad Hariri as the new prime minister. He expressed his confidence that the new era would bring hope to the Lebanese people and restore country's prime position in the Arab world. “The Lebanese yearn for their country to stay as a hub of art and culture as well as investment,” Atallah said. He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the crown prince and deputy crown prince for their concern about Lebanon, saying the official visit of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal to the country was a reflection of that concern. Atallah commended the deep and long lasting relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon. “On behalf of Lebanese community we convey our gratitude to King Salman, his deputies and the Saudi people for their attention and concern,” he said. Al-Tayeb congratulated the Lebanese on electing Michel Aoun as president of the Republic. He wished Lebanon and Lebanese a new era that opens up broad prospects and opportunities. Al-Tayeb wished security, stability and prosperity to prevail in Lebanon hoping the coming period would deepen the fraternal relations between the two countries. Atallah said courier service is now available for the Lebanese community to expedite the issuance of passports in a week's time. On cultural activities, he said the Basketball Independence Cup tournament will be held on Dec. 1. Corresponding with Arabic Language Day, the consulate will hold a function in the first week of December, he added. Atallah, Al Tayeb and consuls general cut the celebration cake. Guests had the opportunity to listen to Lebanese folk songs and taste some Lebanese desserts and food.
Mohammad Ahmad Al-Tayeb, director feneral of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Makkah region branch, addressing the function.[/caption] In fact this was the third year the Independence Day celebrations were being held there even the new premises have not been formally opened yet. Atallah and his wife received Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Al-Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Makkah region and Saudi Arabia's permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), consuls general of many Arab and non-Arab countries as well as Saudi and Lebanese businessmen and other prominent figures who came to attend the function. The ceremony began with Lebanese and Saudi national anthems. Atallah congratulated the Lebanese on the presidential elections and naming of Saad Hariri as the new prime minister. He expressed his confidence that the new era would bring hope to the Lebanese people and restore country's prime position in the Arab world. “The Lebanese yearn for their country to stay as a hub of art and culture as well as investment,” Atallah said. He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the crown prince and deputy crown prince for their concern about Lebanon, saying the official visit of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal to the country was a reflection of that concern. Atallah commended the deep and long lasting relations between the Kingdom and Lebanon. “On behalf of Lebanese community we convey our gratitude to King Salman, his deputies and the Saudi people for their attention and concern,” he said. Al-Tayeb congratulated the Lebanese on electing Michel Aoun as president of the Republic. He wished Lebanon and Lebanese a new era that opens up broad prospects and opportunities. Al-Tayeb wished security, stability and prosperity to prevail in Lebanon hoping the coming period would deepen the fraternal relations between the two countries. Atallah said courier service is now available for the Lebanese community to expedite the issuance of passports in a week's time. On cultural activities, he said the Basketball Independence Cup tournament will be held on Dec. 1. Corresponding with Arabic Language Day, the consulate will hold a function in the first week of December, he added. Atallah, Al Tayeb and consuls general cut the celebration cake. Guests had the opportunity to listen to Lebanese folk songs and taste some Lebanese desserts and food.
