Saudi ambassador to Lebanon: the kingdom will continue to support Lebanon by all means despite the campaign against the royal family by some Lebanese parties.

“I realize that Lebanese businessmen agonize every time a party volunteers to sow discord between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia and Arab Gulf states. They [businessmen] are also aware of the facilities the kingdom has offered to the Lebanese,” Ali Awad Asiri said.

The remarks came during the ceremony held yesterday at Beirut Chamber of Commerce to honor the Saudi ambassador to Lebanon.

Many Lebanese political quarters and business leaders warned that the campaign against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states could endanger the livelihoods of over 400,000 Lebanese working in the GCC.

 “I want to address the minds and hearts of all officials and citizens that the opportunities are still available to support the Lebanese economy. The new rules and regulations in Saudi Arabia will enable all foreigners to invest in the kingdom and this invitation is also for Lebanese investors,” the ambassador said.

Asiri also emphasized the importance of political and security stability to lure investments in Lebanon.

“Stability brings tourists as well as Arab and foreign investors while bickering and tension will have reverse results. Which one should we choose for the sake of Lebanon?” he asked.

All speakers at the ceremony reminded of all the assistance Saudi Arabia has given to Lebanon in the past few years. In his speech, the President of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, Dr. François Bassil said: “They say that the founder of the kingdom, King Abdul Aziz Al Saoud, told his sons, in public and outspokenly, that Lebanon is your second homeland….”.  He also stressed that since its inception, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been playing a positive and vital role to support Lebanon in many fields level...”

At the end of the speeches, Mr. Choucair awarded Ambassador Asiri with a shield.