Collard in Baalbeck: UK support continues
Ambassador Collard reiterated UK’s ongoing support to the people of Lebanon and the importance of implementing urgent reforms to secure an IMF deal
Ambassador Collard with AUST students in Zahle
On 29 March, the British Ambassador to Lebanon Dr Ian Collard visited Baalbek ‘the City of the Sun’ and joined students at the American University of Science and Technology in Zahle.
The Ambassador’s visit to Baalbek was an opportunity to hear from Baalbek-Hermel Governor Bachir Khodr, local officials, dignitaries and NGOs about the important work they are doing to support their communities during very difficult times. Ambassador Collard met the Head of the Union of Municipalities of Deir El Ahmar, Jean Fakhry, the Mufti of Baalbek-Hermel, Sheikh Bakr Rifai, Maronite Archbishop Hanna Rahme of Baalbek-Deir El Ahmar and the President of the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training, Dr. Rami Lakkis.
The Ambassador was delighted to visit the Community Farm in Baalbek. The farm works to improve and develop the region’s agricultural sector. It provides training courses and guidance for hundreds of farmers, in addition to distributing thousands of natural seedlings. It also provides a market for vegetables, healthy and natural crops, and manufactured food products for wholesale and retail markets.
During his visit the Ambassador toured the city’s famed historical ruins.
Ambassador Collard said before leaving Baalbek:
I am pleased to finally make it to Baalbek. I have been looking forward to this since I arrived in Lebanon last summer. It was an opportunity to hear from Governor Khodr, NGO representatives and local dignitaries about the important work they are doing and the many challenges they face in very difficult times. In our discussions, I reiterated the UK’s ongoing support to the people of Lebanon and the importance of implementing urgent reforms to secure an IMF deal. This is key to move Lebanon forward. We also discussed the importance of delivering transparent, fair, inclusive and timely parliamentary elections in May.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Collard travelled to the American University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Zahle. He joined AUST International Affairs and Business students in a round-table discussion. The Ambassador was interested to hear their concerns and aspirations for their country. The Ambassador reiterated the importance of upcoming parliamentary elections as an opportunity for young people to participate fully and make their voices heard. He also gave an overview of what the UK is doing in Lebanon to support the people of Lebanon, the country’s security and stability.