Consuls general and ambassadors of many countries as well as many Saudi and Lebanese businessmen and members of the community attended the function to mark Lebanese Independence Day in Jeddah, Sunday. — SG photo by Samar Yahya Samar Yahya Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Lebanese Consul General Ziad Atallah marked the first event at his consulate's new premises in Jeddah with a ceremony celebrating Lebanon's 71st Independence Day on Sunday evening. Atallah and his wife received guests who included consuls general and ambassadors of many countries as well as many Saudi and Lebanese businessmen and members of the community. Lebanese Minister of Tourism Michel Pharaon was the chief guest. The ceremony began with the Lebanese and Saudi national anthems and a speech by the consul general, who praised bilateral relations and said the Saudi leadership and people have never spared an effort to support Lebanon during its ups and downs. Atallah thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for all the support and his recent grant to the Lebanese army. He thanked the community for its support and efforts to build the consulate's new premises. Pharaon commended the historic Saudi-Lebanese relationships and said the Kingdom never wasted a chance to support Lebanon during the civil war and always encouraged Saudis to visit his country. Ambassador Ahmad Mohammad Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah Province, also dwelt on the strong relations between the Saudi and Lebanese governments and peoples. Famous Lebanese singer Hayam Younes, who expressed her condolences following the recent deaths of fellow compatriot artist Sabah and poet Said Akel, attended the ceremony and sang a song on the occasion. Nov. 22, 1943 marked the end of French colonization in Lebanon and start of a renaissance in the country. Atallah, Tayeb, Pharon and consuls general cut the celebration cake to conclude the event.
