Visit of His Excellency, The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Qijian to Saida –Lebanon
Visit of His Excellency, The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Qijian to Saida –Lebanon
Chinese Ambassador Visits MP Mohammad Al-Saudi and the Sidon Chamber of Commerce: “We Support Lebanon in Its Fight Against Terrorism”
Chinese Ambassador Wang Kejian visited Sidon Mayor Mohammad Al-Saudi at the Municipal Palace, accompanied by a delegation from the Chinese Embassy and the President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association (LCBA), Ali El Abdallah. Themeeting was attended by Mohammad El Abdallah and Hiba Hanina, coordinator of the Sustainable Development Strategy at the Hariri Foundation.
During the visit, discussions covered the situation in Sidon and ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Mayor Al-Saudi presented the Ambassador with a commemorative shield in appreciation of his visit to the city and the municipal headquarters.
When asked about his assessment of the political situation in Lebanon, Ambassador Wang said:
“Since last year, after the election of a president and the formation of a government, Lebanon’s political situation has been moving toward stability. With parliamentary elections scheduled for May, we hope Lebanon will maintain its political momentum to achieve stability, security, and development.”
Regarding Israeli violations, particularly in the south, Wang stated:
“We support Lebanon in its efforts to maintain stability, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. We also support Lebanon’s efforts in combating terrorism and preserving security and stability.”
Mayor Al-Saudi
Mayor Al-Saudi said:
“We were honored by the visit of His Excellency the Chinese Ambassador to Sidon Municipality. When we mention China, we recall its presence across the Arab world and globally its industries and products are everywhere. I have visited China several times and was impressed by the speed and efficiency with which projects are completed major bridges are built in less than 24 hours! Such a people deserve great respect. We warmly welcome the Ambassador and look forward to future meetings to discuss concrete projects.”
At the Sidon Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Wang also visited Mohammad Hassan Saleh, President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Sidon and the South.
Saleh welcomed the Ambassador and reviewed the historic relations between Lebanon and China, the current trade volume, and opportunities for economic cooperation between Lebanese (especially southern) and Chinese entrepreneurs.
He said:
“Trade relations between Lebanon and China currently move in one direction. In 2016, Lebanese exports to China amounted to only 7 million USD, compared to 2 billion USD in imports from China.”
Saleh emphasized the strategic position of South Lebanon and its active commercial exchanges with Chinese partners, noting that cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative could help Lebanon become an important hub along the new Silk Road.
He concluded:
“We look forward to working together to establish a framework for cooperation between the embassy and the Sidon Chamber in all fields—through business delegations, joint ventures, and participation in exhibitions and forums in both countries.”
Ambassador Wang reaffirmed China’s readiness to strengthen trade and investment ties with Lebanon, particularly with productive sectors in the South. He outlined the Embassy’s ongoing programs to support cooperation and praised the role of the Chinese contingent serving within UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.
The visit concluded with a discussion session on future collaboration prospects between Lebanese and Chinese business sectors, followed by an exchange of commemorative gifts.
