BEIRUT: Following a landmark visit to Cuba, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil arrived over the weekend in Mexico, where he stressed Lebanon’s crucial role in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking at an event held by the Lebanese expatriate community, Bassil said the tolerance exhibited by Lebanese is vital in today’s world.
“If we abandon [tolerance], the alternative is ISIS and terrorism.”
Bassil thanked the Lebanese community in Mexico for their support, and announced an initiative to help expatriates reconnect with their home country. He also asked for their continued support in the battle against terrorism.
“Some of you came here as a result of war and famine. Today [terrorists] are trying to starve us and uproot us from our lands.”
“When you buy Lebanese products, you are encouraging Lebanese families to stay,” Bassil said, urging expatriates to support Lebanese exports like wine and olive oil.
The foreign minister added that it was important for the community to protect the Arabic language and expressed his support for the establishment of Arabic schools in the country.
Bassil’s visit to Mexico is the second stop on a tour of Latin America, and comes on the heels of his arrival in Havana, where he became the first Lebanese foreign minister to visit the country since 1970. His trip included a visit to the grave of Jose Marto, a Cuban revolutionary intellectual and national hero, and meetings with top officials.
At a meeting with Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Bassil signed an agreement on cooperation and political consultation, with the aim of boosting diplomatic collaboration.
The agreement will allow for increased discussion and collaboration on issues of mutual interest in politics, culture, industry and security, according to a statement released Saturday by Bassil’s media office.
Bassil also met with Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz to discuss methods for boosting relations, and the two agreed on forming a joint diplomatic committee for this purpose.
Foreign Minister Parrilla highlighted Cuba’s solidarity with Lebanon and his desire to see an end to Israeli efforts to destabilize the country. “We express our support for the Lebanese and Arab causes, especially the Palestinian cause,” he said following the meeting.
In turn, Bassil congratulated his counterpart on the recent rapprochement between Cuba and the United States, saying “the revolutionary spirit of the Cuban people” had led to this positive outcome.
Bassil added that he hoped Cuba’s Lebanese population, estimated to number more than 30,000, would continue to help bring the two countries together.
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