Large Lebanese delegation attends Saudi festival

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Culture Prince Badr Farhan met with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and former presidents Amin Gemayel and Fouad Siniora. (Photo/Supplied)

• Lebanese Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian said: “The participation of Lebanese stars in these festivals is proof of the unity between the two countries”

BEIRUT: The Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, accompanied an official Lebanese delegation to the Kingdom to attend a concert by Lebanese singer Majida El-Roumi at the Winter at Tantora festival in the city of Al-Ula.
The delegation comprised more than 100 political, media, art and social figures, and included former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel.
“Our relations with Saudi Arabia are very broad… When we visit Saudi Arabia we visit our home, due to the strong relationship between the two countries,” he said.
“We are proud of Saudi Arabia’s achievements in terms of openness and presenting its archaeological and historical landmarks, which reflect its rich heritage.”
Former Lebanese President Michel Suleiman said: “The development we see in Saudi Arabia, especially in the cultural field, is similar to us. We must help and encourage such activities, as there are Lebanese citizens in Saudi Arabia and given the cordial ties between the two countries.”
Former Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said: “Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon will lead to more integration, which in turn will reflect on the economy, politics and many other fields.”
He added: “The relationship between the two countries has always been strong despite some parties’ attempts to sabotage it, which of course is not in the interest of Lebanon or any other Arab country.”
Caretaker Information Minister Melhem Riachi said he looked forward to witnessing the Kingdom’s development in the coming years.
“This will be an additional strength for moderation and Muslim-Christian cooperation,” he added.
Lebanese Tourism Minister Avedis Guidanian said: “The participation of Lebanese stars in these festivals is proof of the unity between the two countries.”
Lebanese Education Minister Marwan Hamade said: “Lebanese people usually visit Saudi Arabia to go to the holy places, while Saudis visit resorts in Lebanon. This time, Lebanese people are heading to Saudi Arabia to explore a city and monuments that are… a central destination in modern civilization.”
He added: “Saudi Arabia will be sending the message that a tourist and cultural season of a new kind will kick off as part of the initiatives of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.”
Former Lebanese MP Boutros Harb said: “This event emphasizes the historic relationship between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.” The Kingdom’s “great role in supporting Lebanon during crises must be recalled,” he added.
Former Lebanese MP Fares Soueid said this is “an opportunity for Lebanon to support the Kingdom, which is showing the world, which accuses it of being closed, that it is open to everyone.”