The visit of the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Qian Mingyan to Lebanon and the accompanying delegation to Akkar at the invitation from Mr. Ali El Abdallah the president of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association

The visit of the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Qian Mingyan to Lebanon
and the accompanying delegation to Akkar
at the invitation from Mr. Ali El Abdallah
the president of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association

Akkar, 3 August 2023 

The Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon, Qian Minjian, praised the friendly relations between China and all Lebanese cities and regions, including Akkar. He added that China and Lebanon represent two ancient civilizations, and ancient civilizations prioritize education. “We are studying ways to strengthen relations and cooperation in all fields, especially in education,” said Ambassador Minjian during his visit to Akkar at the head of a large delegation from the embassy, accompanied by Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association.

The visit included Dar Al-Ifta in Halba, the Akkar Diocese of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Popular Relief Center, the Halba Governmental Hospital, the official Tekrit Institute, and the Rafiq Hariri Official School in Tekrit.

Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah said: “The embassy’s interest in the North, and Akkar specifically, reflects its interest in all Lebanese regions. Chinese economic delegations visiting Lebanon in past years have expressed interest in cooperating on electricity production in partnership with Chinese companies, as well as in other sectors such as railways, water treatment, oil, waste management, and developing various industrial projects.”

Lunch Ceremony

At the end of the long day in Akkar, Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah hosted a lunch in honor of the Ambassador and his delegation. The event was attended by numerous figures, including MPs Walid Berri, Mohamad Suleiman, Mohamad Yahya, former MP Mustafa Hussein; Akkar Mufti Cheikh Zaid Bakkar Zakaria; Greek Orthodox Bishop of Akkar and its dependencies Bassilios Mansour; representative of Maronite Bishop of Tripoli Monseigneur Elias Georges; member of the Alawite Islamic Council Cheikh Hassan Hamed represented by Mr. Ahmad Al Haddam; General Secretary of the Lebanese Communist Party Hanna Gharib; head of the Awqaf in Akkar Cheikh Malik Jdaida; head of the Zakat Fund in Akkar Osama Al Zoughbi; advisor to Prime Minister Hariri on Akkar affairs Khaled Al Zoughbi; Hezbollah political bureau member Haj Mohamad Saleh; Future Movement political bureau member Dr. Samer Haddara; head of the Islamic Group in Akkar Khodor Rachidi; Future Movement coordinator in Akkar and president of the Jurd Al-Qayt’a Municipalities Union Abdelilah Zakaria; Amal Movement official in Akkar Latif Obeid; Al Azm Movement representative in Akkar Mr. Mohamad Al-Hussein; businessman Fadi Barbar; Akkar Secretary Lukman Al Kurdi; president of the  Charitable Foundation Kamel Al Murr; former Bar Association president Muhammad Al-Murr; Dr. Wissam Mansour; Director of Abdullah Al-Rassi Governmental Hospital in Halba Dr. Muhammad Khodrien; as well as military figures including Brigadier General Ammar Al-Hassan, Brigadier General Khaled Al-Husseini, Brigadier General Fadi Al-Rizz, retired Brigadier General Omar Al-Ali, Lieutenant Colonel Ismail Ayubi, Major Abdulaziz Diab, Captain Ahmad Al-Rai, Captain Louay Al-Shami; president of Al-Jouma Municipalities Union Rony Al-Hajj, president of Al-Dreib Municipalities Union Abboud Mar’b; and mayors Sheikh Hatem Othman, Nayef Al-Mouri, Nasrallah Nasrallah, Abdulhamid Al-Halabi, Ahmad Al-Ba’rini, Mohsen Saleh, Paul Saud, Muhammad Ali Al-Hussein, Abdulhamid Saqr, Dr. Muhammad Hamoudeh, Muhammad Maala Abu Ali, Aziz Yassin; Dean of University of Balamand Akkar Dr. Elie Karam; Director of Tekrit Official Vocational Institute Ziad Al-Sanea; Director of Rafiq Hariri Official School Tekrit Walid Gheia; President of the Economic Emergency Committee Dr. Khaled Aitani; and other economic, media, and social figures from the region.

Ambassador Minjian: Towards Enhanced Cooperation

In his speech, Ambassador Minjian said: “This is my first visit to Akkar, and I thank all the officials, religious leaders, and friends for their warm reception. I thank you all for your kindness, and I will repeat my visit to this region to strengthen cooperation between the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Lebanon. This visit continues the relationship between our embassy and our friends in Akkar. The purpose of this visit is also to explore ways to enhance cooperation between our embassy and friends in Akkar and, of course, between China and Lebanon as a whole. At the embassy, we wish to encourage cooperation with all Lebanese governorates and regions, whether Akkar, the South, Nabatieh, Tripoli, or anywhere in Lebanon. This is my first visit, but it will not be the last. China and Lebanon are two ancient civilizations, and ancient civilizations value education. We are exploring ways to strengthen relations and cooperation in all fields, particularly education.”

Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah: The Importance of Developing Relations

Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah said: “Your visit to Akkar, Your Excellency, is dear to all our hearts. We hold deep respect and appreciation for you and for the People’s Republic of China, which has offered the world a unique model in economic, social, and cultural development. Your country is an exceptional model we admire, having made tremendous sacrifices to reach its current status. China today is a great power in every sense, building peace worldwide and promoting openness and cooperation with all.

Akkar, dear friends, rich in people, resources, and expatriates, has long been neglected by Lebanese governmental institutions, despite its potential to help lift our national economy from the deep crisis it faces. Akkar’s civilizational revival dates back over 6,000 years. It is rich in agricultural lands and industrial opportunities, and, importantly, it has abundant wind and sunlight suitable for renewable energy production.

The Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation estimates that Lebanon’s solar energy output could reach 1,000 MW by the end of 2024. I assure you all that Akkar can supply Lebanon with electricity through solar and wind energy, as it is one of Lebanon’s richest regions in terms of sunlight and wind. I have no doubt that Akkar can become the capital of renewable energy in Lebanon. Studies have identified extensive wind corridors in Akkar that can be harnessed to generate electricity and supply much of Lebanon’s renewable energy needs. The region, spanning from Al-Muqaybila to Fneidq-Karam Shibat and surrounding areas, also allows for year-round solar energy utilization.”

He added: “With Saudi Arabia’s policy of openness, cooperation, and growth, all Arab countries can participate in the development journey led by the Kingdom in collaboration with global powers such as China. Evidence of this is the flourishing relations between Beijing and Riyadh, as well as Beijing and other Arab countries. China is the Arab world’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching around $430 billion. China sees the region as vital for expanding relations across all levels. The GDP of Arab countries totals approximately $3.5 trillion, one-third of which is in Saudi Arabia. China is a natural partner for Arab countries, supporting just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, raising the Palestinian flag in all international forums. With the growth of BRICS, it is in our interest to join this historic initiative, and Lebanon’s natural role aligns with such initiatives, just as it does with the Belt and Road Initiative. Once again, we welcome Ambassador Qian Minjian and his delegation to Akkar, which holds great respect and appreciation for them and all who represent China in our country.”

Visits by the Ambassador in Akkar

During his tour, the Ambassador and his delegation visited the Akkar Greek Orthodox Diocese, where Bishop Bassilios Mansour received them in the presence of former MP Nidal Ta’meh and several priests; the official Tekrit Institute, where the Ambassador inspected the IT laboratory established by the Chinese Embassy in 2018, welcomed by Director Ziad Al Sanea and the teaching staff.

Mufti Zakaria: “We look forward to joint projects”
During the visit to Dar Al-Ifta in Halba, Akkar Mufti Sheikh Zaid Bakkar Zakaria said: “It is a blessed morning with the presence of Ambassador Qian Minjian in Akkar, a place loved by all. China holds a very special place with us. China overcame many challenges, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a tremendous challenge. This is no surprise for China, which possesses determination and willpower. We also appreciate the 52-year history of Lebanese-Chinese relations and hope it will bear fruit through joint projects.”

He added: “We all hope that the presidential vacancy will end and institutions will function properly. China can press to help resolve this matter. I hope your country sends a message to assist in completing this file for the sake of the people. Ambassador, do you know there is no electricity or proper roads in Akkar?”

He continued: “We appreciate your visit to the Akkar Governmental Hospital, which serves everyone, but it still lacks much. We hope your visit leaves a lasting impact. Deprivation in Akkar is significant, and yet politicians still prevent the election of a president. With your voice and your country’s stature, we can resolve this issue, as people are suffering. The financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic, along with a 60-fold increase in the dollar exchange rate, have worsened the situation while salaries remain in local currency. It is crucial to resolve this issue. Businesspeople in China and elsewhere want to operate the Qulayyat airport and undertake many infrastructure projects in Akkar. We again welcome Ambassador Minjian to Dar Al-Ifta, in the presence of Sheikh Malik Jadida, head of Akkar Awqaf, and all staff. We hope each visit brings something new and leaves a positive mark and smile for the people of Akkar. Thanks also to Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, who organizes these visits.”

Dr. Mohamad Khodreen: “We value cooperation with the embassy”

The delegation also visited Abdullah Al-Rassi Governmental Hospital in Halba, where Director Dr. Muhammad Khodrien welcomed them and said: “We thank you for all your contributions to the hospital over the years. We hope you continue your support, especially replacing the X-ray machine installed in 2011, which was heavily used during the COVID-19 pandemic and cholera outbreak. We welcome you to Akkar, which needs your and other donors’ support. Without your assistance, the situation would be catastrophic. We have worked hard to improve the hospital and want to continue developing it with your support.”

Kamel Mansour: “We look forward to building a hospital”

During the visit to the Popular Relief Center in Halba, Director Kamel Mansour said: “We are happy to welcome Ambassador Qian Minjian and Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah. We follow all the activities that El Abdallah carries out across Lebanon, especially in Akkar. During his previous visit, he provided oxygen devices for COVID-19 patients. We value China’s role globally, especially its interest in Akkar. We hope to cooperate with the embassy on sustainable development in Akkar, including building a public hospital. After extensive studies, we obtained a license for the hospital and provided the land. We look forward to cooperation with interested parties in building it. A documentary will showcase the hospital’s importance, attended by Dr. Nihad Mansour, Chairwoman, and Ahmad Hamed, Akkar Branch Head.”

Walid Gheia: “China is a world giant”

The delegation also visited Rafiq Hariri Official School in Tekrit, where Director Walid Gheia said: “On behalf of the teaching staff, we welcome Ambassador Qian Minjian. China is a great nation that has left its mark on civilization and history. It has rightly earned the title of a world giant and serves as a beacon admired by nations everywhere. China is, in short, a bright presence across the world. Ambassador, we welcome you to this educational institution and hope China leaves a shining mark here. Long live the People’s Republic of China, and long live Lebanon. Welcome.”