Visit of His Excellency, The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Kijian in the occasion of the opening of the Computer Laboratory at Tikrit Vocational School

Visit of His Excellency, The Ambassador of People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Kijian in the occasion of the opening of the Computer Laboratory at Tikrit Vocational School

Akkar – February 1, 2018

Minister of State for Displaced Affairs Moein Al-Merhebi stated that “what unites Lebanon and China are relations of friendship, mutual respect, and shared economic interests.” He added that the René Moawad Airport in Qlayaat can play an important role within China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Minister Merhebi’s remarks came during a luncheon hosted yesterday by Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the Lebanese-Chinese Business Association (LCBA), at his residence in Aadbel–Akkar, in honor of Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon Wang Kejian, celebrating the inauguration of the new IT laboratory at the Tikrit Public Technical Institute, funded by China.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Minister Merhebi, Ambassador Wang Kejian, LCBA President Ali El Abdallah, Tekrit Mayor Dr. Hatem Al-Ali, and Engineer Ziad Al-Saane, Director of the Tikrit Technical Institute and Rapporteur of the North Branch of the Vocational Education Association.

Minister Moein Al-Merhebi

In his speech, Minister Merhebi thanked Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah for his hospitality and initiative to support education in Akkar, as well as for providing assistance to local students to help develop the region’s human resources.

He also expressed his gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its continued support of Lebanon’s human development, noting that China’s donation to the Tikrit Institute reflects “efforts to enhance vocational education and raise our institutes to the standards of advanced countries.”

Merhebi recalled previous Chinese contributions to Lebanon, including the construction and equipping of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music (Conservatoire) with a donation of $30 million, as clear proof of China’s enduring commitment.

He explained that under the guidance of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a development plan for vocational schools was designed by Engineer Ziad Al-Saane to improve education quality and create job opportunities for youth. The Higher Relief Commission has already begun projects to construct, rehabilitate, and equip technical schools across Akkar.

The minister emphasized the importance of Chinese participation in reconstruction and infrastructure projects, especially in northern Lebanon, highlighting Prime Minister Hariri’s directives to prioritize the region’s main facilities.

He underscored the strategic importance of the Rafic Hariri Highway, connecting Akkar to the rest of Lebanon and facilitating the transport of goods from the Tripoli and Beirut ports to border crossings toward Syria, Arab countries, and Turkey — in parallel with the René Moawad Airport in Qlayaat.

“The Qlayaat Airport complements the Belt and Road Initiative by providing exceptional logistical potential due to its location near the Tripoli Port, where air, sea, and land transport routes converge,” Merhebi said.

He added:

“The airport will serve as a vital economic and investment hub for Akkar and Lebanon, creating vast job opportunities. Several foreign entities, especially our Chinese friends, have shown serious interest in this project. We must work hand in hand with them to realize this long-awaited vision.”

He concluded by thanking Ambassador Wang Kejian and businessman Ali Al-Abdallah for their initiatives in promoting education and supporting Akkar’s students.

Ambassador Wang Kejian

Ambassador Wang expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received in Akkar, saying:

“We have felt the affection and respect that the people of Akkar hold toward China and its embassy in Lebanon. We greatly value this region and its distinguished figures.”

He reaffirmed China’s readiness to support vocational education in Akkar, as shown by the assistance to the Tikrit Technical Institute:

“When we were approached to help with the institute’s equipment, we immediately agreed, knowing the importance of human development and the role of students in driving social and economic growth. From this belief, we donated a set of computers to enhance technical and technological education.”

Wang added that Lebanon is a close friend and natural partner to China, especially within the Belt and Road Initiative, and reiterated Beijing’s readiness to continue supporting Lebanon’s infrastructure development.

Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah

Al-Abdallah highlighted that human development is the foundation for advancing Akkar, a region suffering economically and socially due to the absence of sustained development:

“We have two choices — either to keep complaining, or to join hands with our friends, like Ambassador Wang Kejian, and light a candle of hope.”

He praised the ambassador and the Chinese Embassy for their outreach across Lebanon, saying:

“China’s approach through its embassy reflects genuine respect and balanced engagement with all Lebanese regions.”

Al-Abdallah concluded:

“Have we done enough to strengthen ties with China? We still have much work ahead — to attract Chinese investments, encourage Chinese tourism, and prepare our infrastructure to welcome the Belt and Road project. Northern Lebanon is a natural crossroads on this global map.”

Dr. Hatem Al-Ali

Tikrit Mayor Dr. Hatem Al-Ali emphasized the vital role of the People’s Republic of China in developing human resources and the importance of IT education for economic growth. He expressed hope that Lebanon would benefit from China’s technological advancement and generous support, stressing the need for government focus on Lebanon’s vocational education potential.

Engineer Ziad Al-Saane

Engineer Ziad Al-Saane, Director of the Tikrit Technical Institute, expressed his appreciation for China’s friendship and support:

“We must learn from the Chinese people how to achieve development and uplift our societies.”

He emphasized the importance of activating Qlayaat Airport and launching oil and gas production, which could create over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Al-Saane added that a comprehensive plan to enhance vocational education in Akkar has already been launched through a development forum founded by Minister Merhebi, with strong support from Prime Minister Saad Hariri.