The Lebanese business leader and former minister of economy and trade Adnan Kassar said on Tuesday that a Lebanese gourmet festival will be launched in Beijing on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"We shall open a two-week Lebanese gourmet festival and a five-day exhibition of leading Lebanese producers and services in Beijing next month on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the China-Lebanon diplomatic relations," Kassar said in an interview with Xinhua in Beirut.

He said Lebanon attaches great esteem and sees potential in China-Arab ties.

"Lebanon was one of the first countries in the Arab world to sign a trade agreement with the People's Republic of China. Chinese President Xi Jinping's first official tour in 2016 was to our region and indeed his visit was a promising sign of peace and friendship," he said.

He said Lebanon has much to offer and benefit from China's Belt and Road Initiative and the closer cooperation with China.

The initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt that links China with Europe through Central and Western Asia by inland routes, and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road connecting China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe by sea.

"Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, we are proud that China is Lebanon's number one trade partner, and we hope to see Lebanese companies active in China," Kassar said.
Source:XINHUA