In an exclusive interview with Xinhua: The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Lebanon, Mr. Qian Min Jian, stressed on deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation with Lebanon in various fields in order to achieve more benefits for the t
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua:
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Lebanon, Mr. Qian Min Jian, stressed on deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation with Lebanon in various fields in order to achieve more benefits for the two friendly countries and peoples
Beirut, July 27, 2021 (Xinhua)
The newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Lebanon, Qian Minjian, emphasized deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation with Lebanon across various fields to achieve greater benefits for both countries and their peoples.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon, Qian said, “We look forward to working with friends from all walks of life in Lebanon to continue deepening our practical cooperation.”
He added that some Chinese companies have expressed strong interest in investing in large-scale projects in sectors such as energy, telecommunications, transportation, water, and other infrastructure areas, and are currently conducting market surveys in Lebanon.
“The Chinese Embassy in Lebanon will continue to support and encourage Chinese companies capable of investing in Lebanon,” Qian said.
He emphasized that China is keen to encourage reputable Chinese companies to submit bids for projects aimed at rebuilding the Port of Beirut, following the Lebanese government’s announcement of its plans in this regard.
Qian noted that the Chinese government had provided one million U.S. dollars in cash as emergency humanitarian aid to Lebanon following the Beirut Port explosion.
Last August, a massive explosion struck Beirut’s international port after a fire broke out in a warehouse storing 2,750 tons of highly explosive ammonium nitrate, causing over 200 deaths, 6,500 injuries, and extensive damage to the port and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Chinese ambassador also mentioned that Lebanese businessmen had expressed their intention to cooperate with Chinese partners in participating in the reconstruction of Beirut Port.
Qian had previously served as a diplomat at the Chinese Embassy in Beirut 20 years ago. After returning to Beirut in mid-May, he took the initiative to establish contacts to explore ways to enhance China-Lebanon relations.
He stated that China-Lebanon relations have grown steadily, and their friendship has deepened with increasing exchanges and cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971.
“China and Lebanon are traditionally friendly countries, and China has long provided humanitarian and development assistance to Lebanon within its capacity,” he added.
Given the multiple crises and severe economic difficulties Lebanon has faced in recent years, Qian noted that China has increased its support by providing several grants and food aid through bilateral and multilateral channels since the outbreak of COVID-19.
He added that China and Lebanon have always maintained close cooperation in combating COVID-19, exchanging information and expertise in disease prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment.
In 2020, China supplied Lebanon with PCR test kits, large infrared thermometers, KN95 masks, and other anti-virus supplies to help the country fight COVID-19.
This year, the Chinese government donated two batches of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to Lebanon, and the Chinese Red Cross recently provided doses to the Lebanese Red Cross.
Qian expressed satisfaction with Lebanon’s significant progress in disease prevention and control, noting that the country now faces the threat of the Delta variant, and China is ready to maintain close contact and support Lebanon in combating the virus.
Regarding economic and trade cooperation, Qian said that it remained stable in recent years before the COVID-19 outbreak, with China being Lebanon’s largest trading partner for six consecutive years.
He added that the governments of both countries have strengthened cooperation, along with relevant industrial institutions promoting Lebanese specialized products in China.
Additionally, the Chinese Embassy assists Lebanese business communities in actively participating in trade exchange platforms such as the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), and the China-Arab States Expo, to expand the export reach of their products.
He noted that after years of promotion, Lebanese olive oil, wine, handmade soap, chocolate, and other products have become well-known among Chinese consumers.
Qian stated that Lebanon is a natural partner for China under the “Belt and Road Initiative,” and in 2017 the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding for joint construction under the initiative.
Successive Lebanese governments and political parties have expressed a positive willingness to deepen practical cooperation with China within the Belt and Road framework.
The ambassador emphasized that China always seeks cooperation with Lebanon under the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming for mutual benefits through extensive consultation and joint contribution without any political conditions.
Qian also highlighted the China-funded construction and equipping of the National Higher Conservatory of Music in Lebanon as an innovative and exemplary project that strengthens cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, promotes mutual understanding between the two peoples, and embodies Sino-Lebanese friendship.
The project, funded by a $62 million Chinese grant, will serve as a university music campus offering degrees in performance, composition, and music theory, covering about 29,000 square meters, including a concert hall with 1,200 seats featuring all key acoustic properties for orchestral performances, and a hall dedicated to the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra.
The ambassador added that the Chinese Embassy will also work with Lebanese authorities to establish a Chinese Cultural Center in Beirut.
Qian announced that the embassy plans to hold a variety of activities and celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of China-Lebanon diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic relations between China and Lebanon were established on November 9, 1971. Trade relations date back to 1955, when the first trade agreement was signed, and even earlier, as the ancient Silk Road connected the Chinese and Lebanese peoples for over two thousand years.
Photo caption: Site of the National Higher Conservatory of Music construction project in Beirut, Lebanon, funded by the Chinese government.