Lebanon Independence Day
Lebanon’s 75th Birthday
With typical joie de vivre Ambassador Rami Mortada and his wife Gamal hosted a huge celebration to mark Lebanon’s 75th anniversary of Independence.
Addressing the many guests, including diplomats, parliamentarians, captains of industry and members of the Lebanese diaspora who crowded into a marquee, Ambassador Mortada said the milestone was an opportunity for all Lebanese to reflect on fundamental values they hold dear: “Today is an occasion to re-commit to the value of an open, inclusive and diverse Lebanese society cemented by rule of law and vibrant civil society. Today is also an occasion to re-commit to a foreign policy which upholds a rules-based international order both in our turmoiled region – where the space left for dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes is unfortunately shrinking – and in the larger global context where again the culture of openness and cooperation are being challenged.”
As Britain prepares to take on a new role in global politics in the post-Brexit era, the Ambassador said he looked forward to “the soft, smart and wise power of Britain in our country and region.” He added that Lebanon looks forward to exploiting the “huge potential” in UK-Lebanese bilateral relations and the human capital in the British Lebanese community which is a “shared asset”.
Guest of honour Alistair Burt echoed the Ambassador, saying Lebanon is a “byword for tolerance, resilience and democracy” in the region.
After the toasts, guests could enjoy a feast of Lebanese food, including freshly baked manouche made in the traditional way, washed down with fine Lebanese wine.
Above Image: A huge crowd of Lebanese diaspora and friends of Lebanon gather to celebrate 75 years of independence