His Excellency Representative Major General Ashraf Rifi held a tribute to an iftar at his home in Tripoli, to celebrate His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, and in the presence of an elite group of representatives and prominent religious, political, security, economic and social figures.
At the beginning of his speech, Rifi welcomed Ambassador Bukhari, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s interest in the Lebanese people, especially the people of Tripoli, plants seeds of hope and optimism in their souls. He pointed out that the Kingdom has always been the strong supporter of Lebanon, the incubator of its path, and the supporter of development and stability plans in the sisterly Arab countries, led by Lebanon.
He added that Ambassador Bukhari’s visit to Tripoli does not only carry a political or diplomatic dimension, but goes beyond that to a deep national and popular dimension, which awakens high hopes in the hearts of its people, and foretells a prosperous phase in which they look forward to the growth and prosperity that prevails in the city and all parts of Lebanon.
Rifi also sent a greeting of appreciation to Presidents Joseph Aoun and Nawaf Salam, considering that the new phase and the current government have revived the spirit of hope among the Lebanese, who have begun to feel the seriousness of working for the advancement of the nation and its institutions.
He stressed that Tripoli is the city of peaceful coexistence, tolerance and peace, despite all attempts aimed at distorting its image, stressing that its people were able to successfully establish an advanced model of Islamic-Christian coexistence and preserve sovereignty and a comprehensive national identity, while noting its role in preserving this coexistence between various sects and sects.
He alluded to the vital and strategic facilities that the city and its suburbs abound, starting with President Rene Moawad Airport in Klayaat, all the way to the refinery, the exhibition, the port, and the special economic zone. He explained that the decision to activate these facilities was launched with the new government through the appointment of boards of directors that enjoy competence and integrity, paving the way for a phase of rapid growth and job creation that restores Tripoli’s natural position as the second capital and lever for the northern region and all of Lebanon. He pointed out that previous governments took the decision not to activate these facilities, which led to the city continuing to suffer from deprivation and poverty.
At the conclusion of his speech, Rifi stressed the importance of betting on the sisterly Arab countries, first and foremost the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to stand by Lebanon in this critical stage and help it recover and emerge from its crisis. He reiterated his welcome to Ambassador Bukhari, saying: “Home is your home, and Tripoli was and will remain a city of loyalty to brothers, especially the kingdom of goodness.”
For his part, Ambassador Bukhari expressed his thanks and appreciation to Rifi for the warm reception and generous hospitality, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been and will always be at the side of Tripoli and all parts of Lebanon, keen on its security, stability and prosperity, and supportive of everything that contributes to strengthening the state and its institutions and serving the Lebanese people.
