The Lebanese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdul Sattar Issa held a reception in honor of the Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi, and the accompanying delegation at the Embassy House in Riyadh.

"I had never dreamt of visiting the Kingdom, but the invitation I received in 2013 almost made that happen. I had to apologize, however, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and my invitation to participate in the election of a new Pope," he said, "then came the dreadful circumstances that prevailed over Lebanon, the presidential vacuum, and the King's passing, which all prevented such a visit. And here we are today," he added.

"The Kingdom has opened its doors, its arms and its heart to the sons of the Lebanese community, and you have given back from the heart," Rahi said to the Lebanese Diaspora in Saudi Arabia.

"We, as Lebanese, carry a heritage. (...) At the end of the Synod for Lebanon, Pope John Paul II said Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message."
Describing the cultural and religious diversity in Lebanon as "a mosaic not a fusion", the Patriarch said "in Lebanon, every human being is respected, regardless of his culture, faith or traditions. It is a country with a culture of openness, solidarity, tolerance and integration with the other."

"In three years, we will celebrate the first centennial of the birth of Lebanon. 100 years of Muslim-Christian marriage means that Lebanon will not disappear as long as Christians and Muslims coexist," he confirmed.

Rahi praised Saudi Arabia "which stood by Lebanon in its most difficult political, economic and security circumstances, and was always present to support this small yet important brotherly country."

Addressing the Lebanese community, he said "we will maintain the existing friendship and fraternity between Lebanon and the Kingdom."

"Even if strong winds blow at times, the Lebanese people will remain on their terms, as the history of Lebanon is that of friendship," he said, considering the invitation he received from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques as "a confirmation of the will to preserve good ties between the Maronite Patriarchate and Saudi Arabia

Source: NNA