Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Saudi Chargé d'Affaires Walid Al-Bukhari inaugurated on Tuesday the “King Salman Avenue,” stretching from Beirut’s Minet el-Hosn to Zaitunay Bay, an area considered as an economic and tourist hub on the seafront of the capital.
“This evening in Beirut is a clear message that Lebanon’s Arabism takes precedence over all allegiances, axes and equations,” Hariri said.
The Avenue was named after the Saudi Monarch and it spans across 1.3 kilometers with a width of 45 meters.
The ceremony was held in the presence of former President Michel Suleiman, ex-PMs Fouad Saniora, Najib Miqati and Tammam Salam, and representative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, adviser to the Royal Court Nizar al-Alula, in addition to MP Walid Jumblat, head of the Lebanese Forces Samir Geagea and a number of ministers and deputies.
“Beirut is here today to celebrate the fact that the name of Salman bin Abdulaziz will be enthroned on the waterfront. All of Beirut is here to honor an important Arab figure who stood alongside Lebanon in the most difficult circumstances,” Hariri said.
He described Riyadh as the big brother who translated the true meaning of fraternity by sponsoring the Taif agreement, and helping Lebanon at all stages and in all crises.
“Between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, there is a history that will not be broken, no matter how much they try to do so,” he said.
For his part, Bukhari underlined that Saudi-Lebanese relations shall remain deeply rooted and similar to the "cedar" tree.
The Saudi diplomat said Riyadh has been and will always remain keen on preserving Lebanon's safety, security, stability and national unity.
The National News Agency reported that during the ceremony, around 7,000 balloons and several doves were released into the air as a glamorous firework show was performed against the backdrop of Solidere's dazzling skyline and high-rise buildings.
