In a meeting with the president of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association Ali Mahmoud Al-Abdullah & His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador Qian Minjian: We will strengthen our historical ties with Lebanon
In a meeting with the president of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah & His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador Qian Minjian:
We will strengthen our historical ties with Lebanon
Beirut – June 23, 2021
The new Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Qian Minjian, stated that China places great importance on developing Sino-Lebanese relations and that he will do everything in his power to strengthen these “historic” ties. He added that Lebanon and China established diplomatic relations a long time ago and are now approaching the 50th anniversary of their establishment.
During an online meeting with Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, Ambassador Minjian said:
“We will also work to strengthen cooperation with the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, with which we have long-standing ties. We will continue to develop relations between Lebanon and China at the political, economic, cultural, and other levels.”
For his part, El Abdallah welcomed the ambassador to Lebanon, noting that his new appointment comes 23 years after he previously served at the Chinese Embassy in Beirut. Addressing the ambassador, he said:
“You have a deep and detailed understanding of Lebanon and the conditions surrounding people’s lives, which gives you special capabilities in fulfilling your duties. You have returned to Lebanon at a time when our country and the entire world is going through a difficult and sensitive period. Such times require diplomats with great experience, and Your Excellency possesses unique skills and expertise that will allow you to deal effectively with the challenges Lebanon is currently facing.”
Container Crisis
The ambassador added:
“My first diplomatic mission outside China was in Lebanon decades ago. As soon as I returned to Beirut a few days ago, I recalled many things about this country’s special character. I carry many beautiful memories from the time I spent here.”
Addressing El Abdallah, he said:
“I’m pleased to meet you. It is clear that you and your association have been friends of the embassy for a long time. I would like to thank you for leading a large delegation to express solidarity with China when the pandemic broke out in our country. Former Ambassador Wang Kejian informed me about your initiative, and I would like to thank you again for this supportive gesture. I also want to emphasize the importance of the diversity that characterizes your association diversity is one of Lebanon’s greatest strengths. We have historic relations with Lebanon, and we are approaching the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.”
Ambassador Minjian went on to discuss the global shipping and container shortage, saying:
“Some Lebanese officials I met after my arrival raised concerns about the high cost of maritime transport between China and Lebanon. The truth is that the entire world continues to suffer economically due to the pandemic. China, however, has recovered, and its factories are operating at full capacity, producing and exporting all kinds of goods. While some believe that supply chains are shifting, the reality is that China still produces the majority of goods required by global markets and exports them worldwide.”
He continued:
“For this reason, Chinese containers as well as those from other countries have been booked by companies to meet the demands of global markets, causing freight prices to rise due to the limited number of available containers. This is the real reason behind the container shortage. I hope the situation will improve as the pandemic recedes globally, especially with economic activity resuming in major markets. The Belt and Road Initiative provides a suitable solution to transportation challenges. It has already helped improve connectivity between China, Russia, Europe, and parts of the Middle East. This initiative is beneficial for all countries and contributes to strengthening economic ties between China, Asia, and the rest of the world.”
Opportunity to Strengthen Relations
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah said:
“We welcome you once again to Lebanon. Your new diplomatic assignment comes after 23 years since you last served in your country’s embassy here. You possess an in-depth understanding of Lebanon and the daily realities of its people, which gives you special abilities in performing your duties. You have returned at a challenging and delicate moment for Lebanon and the world, a period that requires experienced diplomats like yourself. Your Excellency has the expertise and wisdom needed to handle these circumstances effectively. We wish you success in your mission, especially as Lebanon gradually recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for more direct meetings and engagement.”
He added:
“At the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, we constantly work to strengthen economic relations between Lebanon and China. Our members represent major companies, business figures, and the Lebanese business community across all sectors and affiliations. Many of them are active internationally, particularly in Africa and Latin America, and are deeply committed to promoting Lebanese-Chinese relations. Our network is extensive worldwide and includes influential figures and business leaders.”
El Abdallah continued:
“We have a long-standing relationship with the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon and have had the privilege of working with several ambassadors over the years. Together, we have organized numerous events and initiatives in coordination with the embassy and Chinese government institutions. It is an honor to continue this collaboration with you, just as we did with your predecessors.”
Discussing the challenges hindering the return of normal trade activity between Lebanon and China post-pandemic, El Abdallah said:
“Last year was economically difficult for Lebanon, and the situation still requires solutions. However, this stage presents an opportunity to strengthen trade relations between our two countries. European markets, for instance, are much more expensive for Lebanese importers than China. Yet, there are challenges chief among them the significant rise in shipping costs between China and the Mediterranean region. As you know, shipping a 20-foot container from any Chinese port to the Mediterranean used to cost between $1,000 and $1,500, but today the price has reached $6,000, which is a dramatic increase. This has led some traders to seek alternative sources. Furthermore, the shortage of containers has made access to shipping even harder, disrupting supply chains for many businesses. We hope that progress in the Belt and Road Initiative will provide solutions, as the use of rail transport could serve as an effective alternative or complement to maritime routes.”