Lebanon | National Day

Ambassador Mortada delivers his address

Embassy magazine editor Elizabeth Stewart with Qatar Ambassador Yousef Ali Al-Khater

The Belgian Ambassador Rudolf Huygelen with Professor Trond Beravale

Embassy magazine editor Elizabeth Stewart with the Belgian Ambassador’s wife Marianne Lecleu and the wife of the Afghanistan Ambassador Shamim Jawad

Khaled Al Duwaisan, Former Ambasador Sir Terence Clark, Ambassador of Oman Abdul Aziz Al Hinai and Moroccan Ambassador Abdesselem Aboudrar

UAE Ambassador Sulaiman Hamid Salem Almazroui and his wife Alia Bastish

Ambassador Mortada and his wife Gamal have just arrived in London

The Ambassador’s wife Gamal (far right) does some dabke dancing

Dutch ambassador Simon Smits, his wife Astrid Smits-Kleinen and Ambassador Mortada

A Warm Welcome
The new Ambassador of Lebanon Rami Mortada made sure his very first national day in London was one for the ages with amazing cuisine, fine wine, music and traditional dancing late into the night in a marquee set up at the back of his residence. The Ambassador’s wife Gamal led the festivities, hitting the dance floor to show off her dabke skills, while guests enjoyed plates creaking under treats like pita bread, spring rolls and macaroons.
In his speech, the Ambassador stressed the importance of close cooperation between Lebanon and the United Kingdom. “The UK has been a long-standing friend and partner for Lebanon,” he said, welcoming guests to the national day. “And we look forward, during my mission here, to enhance and consolidate this partnership.”
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS