The Head of the Economic Bodies, the Former Minister Mohamad Choucair, affirmed that the economic authorities attach great importance to developing and strengthening the Lebanese-Gulf economic relations, on account of several considerations, especially the historical fraternal relationship that binds Lebanon with these brotherly countries which is built on love, respect and cooperation, and the continuous support that the present countries provided to Lebanon, through thick and thin.
During his meeting with a delegation from the Lebanese Executive Council headed by Rabih Al Amin and in the presence of the head of the Lebanese-Saudi Economic Relations Development Authority, Elie Rizk, Choucair affirmed: “On this basis, we strongly condemn Charbel Wehbe’s statements. Today, the matter is behind us, as the Lebanese people voiced their opinion to the Kingdom. All that matters for us now is getting out of the crisis regarding the exportation of Lebanese agricultural products and some food industries to the Kingdom after the Saudi authorities discovered drugs in one of the Lebanese shipments.
Choucair, in cooperation with various officials, especially the Minister for Interior and Municipalities of the Government of Choucair, Brigadier General Mohamed Fahmy, has shown his efforts to end the crisis, pointing out that he presented the ‘integral drug trafficking mechanism through exported goods’ to Minister Fahmi on behalf of economic agencies. Choucair has also explained that he was convocated to a meeting at Baabda Palace with President Michel Aoun, and in the presence of Minister Fahmi, to submit the mechanism, but the meeting was postponed due to the Syrian presidential elections.
Choucair also stressed that matters have become clear and that the concerned parties in the state are required to accelerate the implementation of measures to end the crisis and reduce the damage: “At this time, I suggest using the Middle East Airlines cargo center at Rafic Hariri International Airport to ship some agricultural products, especially fruits, to maintain communication between the Lebanese producer and the Saudi consumer. The present proposal is being followed up with the concerned officials.”
Al-Amin handed Choucair an appreciation and gratitude letter from the Lebanese Executive Council and the Lebanese-Saudi Economic Relations Development Authority for “all the efforts that he continues to put in strengthening Lebanese-Gulf relations, especially after the recent crisis,” stressing the “Council’s readiness to cooperate with Choucair to the farthest limits to serve the interests of the Lebanese in the Gulf.”
Rizk stressed the importance of the Lebanese private sector’s readiness to defend Lebanon and its interests, in light of the absence of the state and the distraction of politicians in their conflicts.
