The Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Wang Kejian during A farewell meeting with the President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association Mr. Ali El Abdallah
The Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Wang Kejian during A farewell meeting with the President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association
Mr. Ali El Abdallah
Saida, April 2, 2021
The Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Wang Kejian, confirmed that China’s COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in Lebanon next week, during a farewell meeting with Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association (LCBA).
Ambassador Wang stated that “China firmly believes that expanding vaccine access serves humanity as a whole, because no one can be safe in isolation global immunity is a shared goal for all peoples.” He added: “Last year was difficult for everyone, but through cooperation, we succeeded in controlling the pandemic in China and did everything possible to help others overcome it as well.”
Mr. El Abdallah thanked the Ambassador for his efforts to secure the Chinese vaccine for Lebanon, describing him as a “friend of Lebanon”. He praised his successful diplomatic mission, saying that “Ambassador Wang’s tenure marked a turning point in the history of bilateral relations, embodying China’s moderation and wise foreign policy.”
Ambassador Wang Kejian
Ambassador Wang said:
“My experience in Lebanon has been unique and invaluable throughout my diplomatic career. I learned a great deal during my years here Lebanon is truly a school for diplomats and I am proud to have made so many friends.”
He recalled Mr. El Abdallah’s solidarity visit to the Chinese Embassy at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, leading a large Lebanese economic delegation:
“You expressed great moral support for China during the height of the crisis. Last year was hard for all, but thanks to cooperation, we managed to control the virus in China and assisted other nations as much as possible. We still act on the belief that no one can be safe alone without others being safe too. We have provided support to developing countries, including Lebanon, with medical supplies and now the Chinese vaccines will reach Lebanon next week.”
Ambassador Wang also mentioned visiting the construction site of Lebanon’s new National Higher Conservatory of Music the previous Sunday:
“The team was working hard despite technical challenges. They are now in a crucial phase and are doing their best to stay on schedule.”
On economic cooperation, Wang said:
“We look forward to resuming Lebanese business delegations’ visits to China once travel restrictions ease. These exchanges are very important to us.”
He highlighted the importance of maritime trade with China:
“China owns one of the world’s largest commercial fleets through ‘China Shipping,’ a global leader in maritime transport. The sharp rise in shipping costs is due to surging demand for Chinese products and delays in European and American ports caused by COVID-19. In addition, there’s a shortage of empty containers. As the first major economy to recover and restart production, China is now exporting at full capacity, while other countries are still struggling with closures and reduced output. Once vaccination spreads and production resumes globally, the situation should gradually improve.”
He added:
“The recent Suez Canal incident highlighted the importance of alternative transport routes, such as railways linking East and West. The direct train from China to Europe has become crucial — rail freight costs have quadrupled within a year due to maritime congestion. There’s also growing interest in the Gulf–Mediterranean railway project connecting the UAE and Saudi Arabia to the sea.”
Ambassador Wang concluded:
“I have made many dear friends in Lebanon, and I will always cherish and follow Lebanon’s news wherever I go.”
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah
In his remarks, Mr. El Abdallah said:
“You are truly a friend of all Lebanon this phrase sums up your diplomatic journey here. It has been an honor to know you and to witness your sincerity and commitment through numerous joint initiatives. Despite the many crises Lebanon and the world have faced, you left a positive and lasting mark in the history of diplomacy. Your efforts added genuine value to the relationship between the Chinese and Lebanese peoples.”
He added:
“China remains an inspiring model, particularly through its economic development experience and its approach to building partnerships based on mutual interests. We’ve learned from China how to turn crises into opportunities and that’s exactly what China achieved during the pandemic, transforming the COVID-19 challenge into renewed economic momentum.”
El Abdallah continued:
“We deeply appreciate China’s initiatives, including its support for Lebanese students and the financing and construction of the new National Conservatory of Music building. This project is historic music is the one universal language understood by all peoples.”
He went on:
“Lebanon is a laboratory not only for diplomacy but also for private enterprise. Navigating this environment requires awareness and precision qualities you have demonstrated while representing China’s balanced diplomacy during a sensitive period in Lebanon and globally.”
On economic challenges, Al-Abdallah noted:
“Shipping costs have become prohibitively high, hindering trade growth between our countries. The recent Suez Canal crisis also delayed shipments to our region and Europe. The progress of China’s Belt and Road Initiative will help reduce such costs. It’s a vital global project, strongly supported by President Xi Jinping and leaders worldwide.”
He concluded:
“We thank you for your many initiatives in Lebanon and hope the Cedars’ homeland will always remain in your heart. We also appreciate your efforts in organizing Lebanese business delegations to China every participant returned deeply impressed and became an ambassador for China to the world.”