Morcos Welcomes Emirati Flights: An Initiative to Revitalize Tourism in Lebanon
It is the natural position of Lebanon
The Minister of Information, Paul Morcos, representing the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, welcomed two flights from the United Arab Emirates carrying Emiratis visiting Lebanon for the first time, following the recent decision by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to lift the travel ban for his citizens to Lebanon starting May 7, after President Aoun's recent visit to Abu Dhabi.
Flowers were handed out to the Emiratis arriving at Rafic Hariri International Airport, where the airport security services, in cooperation with the General Security, Customs, and Internal Security Forces, oversaw every detail and facilitated media coverage of the event. Lebanese, Arab, and international journalists filled the arrivals hall.
Among those present to welcome the travelers were the airport director, Kamal Nasser El-Din, airport security chief, Brigadier Fadi Al-Kafouri, the head of the Internal Security Forces inspection unit at the airport, Brigadier Ezzat Al-Khatib, and officers from the various security services.
Emirati nationals expressed their joy upon arriving and conveyed their deep appreciation for returning to Lebanon, a country they love and have long awaited to visit, describing it as one of the most beautiful places in the world. They felt at home and expressed gratitude for the warm reception.
In his speech to the media, Minister Morcos stated: "This is a happy day in the history of Lebanese-Arab relations and with the Gulf. It is the natural position of Lebanon, which welcomes the Emirati brothers and the Gulf citizens in general, and awaits the arrival of Gulf nationals from all over the world. This event is accompanied by exceptional media coverage as a sign of welcome, hoping it will be the beginning of the development of relations and the activation of tourism between Lebanon and the Gulf countries."
He continued: "This is a cornerstone for further achievements the government can build upon under the leadership of President Aoun, whom I have the honor to represent today."
Morcos also emphasized: "Today's initiative is crucial for revitalizing tourism in Lebanon and strengthening cooperation with these brotherly and friendly countries. We eagerly await the lifting of more travel bans and encouragement for further visits to Lebanon, with the government's measures extending from Beirut airport to tourist centers, hotels, restaurants, and all villages, cities, and tourist sites that are ready to welcome visitors, especially our Arab and Gulf brothers."
He added that the security situation is stable, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for tourists from the Gulf. The government remains committed to overcoming any obstacles to their arrival, which is reflected in the exceptional media coverage accompanying their return.
On the measures taken by the government to strengthen Gulf tourists' confidence, he said: "Today's step helps restore trust. Under President Aoun's directives, ministerial committees and diligent follow-ups by the Prime Minister are working to eliminate any obstacles, and this will gradually become evident."
Morcos expressed his gratitude to the airport administration and all concerned services for providing a transparent, comfortable, and reassuring environment for Gulf tourists to return to Lebanon.
Regarding the return of Saudi nationals, the minister confirmed: "God willing, we will welcome them very soon. We are eagerly awaiting their arrival and say, 'Welcome to Lebanon.'"
He concluded by thanking the media for their exceptional coverage of the event.