Today, the Embassy of Lebanon in Armenia celebrated the 25-year-old diplomatic relation between the two countries. The Ambassador of Lebanon to Armenia Mr. Jean Makaron held an event to commemorate the friendly relationship between Lebanon and Armenia at the embassy where successful Lebanese businessman and businesswomen were present. For this occasion, his Excellency released a booklet that highlights the activity of the Lebanese community in Armenia. In fact, the Lebanese have made half a billion dollars of investments in Armenia. In his speech, Mr. Makaron congratulated the achievements of the Lebanese people in Armenia and hoped that the relationship between both countries would flourish on many levels. According to the co-owner of Sidon Travel and Tourism Sam Samuelian, 50,000 Lebanese tourists came to Armenia this summer. In fact, the Lebanese Minister of Tourism Avedis Guidanian and the Prime Minister of Armenia recently met to enhance the relationship between both countries in the sphere of tourism. On the business level, the Lebanese investments are among the seven largest investments in Armenia. Also, the Armenian Government has included Lebanon in the list of the 14 countries which Armenia has the best economic relations. Both countries are working on improving the economic ties.
These are some of the renowned Lebanese figures in Armenia:
- Nicolas Abou Fayssal: CEO, Gardenia Grain D’Or & Gardenia Lebanese Farms – Armenia
- Vatche Arsen: General Manager, Carrefour Armenia
- Ralph Yirikian: General Director, VivaCell-MTS
- Samir Khnayzir: President of the Council of the Lebanese Community and CEO of Café du Brazil
- Caroline Zakarian: CEO, HyeLandz Eco Village Resort & Eco Products
- Diran Baghdadian: Founder, Gourmet Dourmé
- Sam Samuelian: Owner of Capital Motors, the distributor of KIA Motors in Armenia and co-owner of Sidon Travel and Tourism, the representative of Middle East Airlines in Armenia
- Nicholas El Tawil: CEO-Partner, Sanitek
Finally, Lebanon and the Lebanese people were thanked for welcoming the Armenians during the genocide and giving them a country that they can proudly call home.
Photo courtesy of Mrs. Graziella Makaron