Lebanese Republic 
Minister of Economy and Trade meets the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia
Minister of Economy and Trade meets the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz. Al-Falih
His Excellency Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin salam, met His Excellency Minister Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz. Al-Falih, the Minister of Investment, with the presence of senior officials at the Ministry of Investment.
Discussions tackled the long standing brotherly relations between the Republic of Lebanon and its bigger sister Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; while the Lebanese Minister emphasized Lebanon’ support for all plans, initiatives and projects aiming to strengthen and develop theses relations in a way that serves the interest of both peoples.
Salam stated: “this meeting was held to discuss the issue of reactivating the economic activity between the two countries as well as expanding toward new and vital sectors that keep pace with world developments, mainly in the sea facilities, airports, rail stations, renewable energy, water and technology projects, downstream and food industries and pharmaceutical industry; which fall within the Ministry of Economic and Trade’ vision “the new identity for the national economy (Economy of innovation and knowledge) which is estimated to constitute a quantum leap for the economy, trade and investment in addition to being the solution to getting out of the economic collapse that Lebanon is witnessing due to prior economic and financial policies”.
Furthermore, Minister Salam praised the strategic aspirations and steps of the Saudi Arabia led by His Highness Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman; which also reflect the great interest and the orientation to explore new horizons through strengthening the commercial and economic cooperation between Arab countries and other countries worldwide; in addition to search for the investment qualitative opportunities in several sectors, hoping that the conference will achieve its ambitious goals.
In his turn, Minister of Investment, Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz. Al-Falih, welcomed the proposals submitted by of Minister Salam as well as the his positivity shown to the Kingdom’ officials deeply convinced that the history and relations between both countries will and shall not return to their former state but instead they reach a bigger prosperity and a closer cooperation level. In this regard, Al Falih stated: “ the Kingdom is convinced that Lebanon will quickly recover and prosper for it is characterized by a great human wealth and minds; which is considered in itself a great wealth that we are counting on for the coming period; especially in establishing an Arabic joint economic integration based on innovation and creativity”.
Moreover, Salam added: “ Following several meetings with Ministers and Senior Officials, I confirm once again and even assure that the Saudi Arabia Kingdom will exert all its efforts to help Lebanon; provided that the latter keeps its promises as to executing the necessary reforms and enhancing confidence in the Lebanese economy. We agreed to open direct communication channels with different ministries in order to start preparing number of common draft programs and projects, mainly the preparation of a study and integrated presentation made by the Ministry of Economy and Trade regarding the investment opportunities in Lebanon, in particular in the fields of infrastructure, oil and gas”.
At the end, Salam concluded: “ the next stage of our Arab world is entitled vision 2030 which is estimated to transform the Arab world into an influencing world economic player as well as to consolidate the concept of Arabic integration among all the Arab countries and openness toward world markets; in particular the regional one; adding that “ Lebanon has a rare and unique opportunity to stand as one of the pioneering countries alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to achieve these goals; out of our belief in the Lebanese people who proved his capacity for achievements and mastery on the international and Arabic levels”.
At the end of the meeting, the Saudi Minister of Investment presented to Minister Salam the (covering of the Kaaba) that symbolizes the most important forms of honor and regard; expressing the appreciation for his efforts exerted to support partnership and bilateral relations between the two countries in different fields.
