NNA - Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, sent out a cry on behalf of the Lebanese at the League of Arab States's assembly in Cairo today, calling for "extending a helping hand to Lebanon in light of an unprecedented economic and financial crisis in its history, which has led to almost complete destruction of its infrastructure, economy, service and human resources, and emptied Lebanon of its citizens and human capabilities."
Salam thanked the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States for its "ongoing efforts to overcome obstacles between the brotherly Arab countries at all levels, especially with regards to following-up on the Greater Arab Free Trade Zone."
He added, "I would also like to extend my condolences over the victims of the tragic earthquakes that struck both Syria and Turkey, leaving thousands of casualties and tens of thousands displaced, and here I take this opportunity to call on the Arab countries to overcome differences and provide all available means of support to the peoples affected by the earthquakes, particularly since Lebanon feels such suffering as it is still recovering from the effects of the August 4 explosion that destroyed half of the city of Beirut, leaving hundreds of victims, thousands of wounded, and losses of tens of billions."
Salam continued to consider that the Arab League Council "bears significant responsibility in establishing cooperation and dedicating joint efforts to serve our Arab society, which carries within its entities huge capabilities that must be directed in the right and constructive direction."
"Our agenda today reflects many vital issues, especially what affects the completion of the Arab Free Trade Zone and facing the challenges of Arab food security, through which we are supposed to establish the Arab strategy for food security, as well as the maintenance of our Arab societies in the fields of health, education and women empowerment," Salam emphasized.
He added, "Lebanon is one of the founders of the Arab League, and it has had contributions over the years to the development of Arab action and the adoption of a policy of brotherhood and cooperation with all our Arab brothers without exception." However, he regretfully pointed to the many crises that Lebanon and the Lebanese have endured during the past decade, and still are facing a dead end that renders them in dire need for support and assistance.
"I seize this opportunity, and my presence in this Assembly among my brothers and sisters, to cry out on behalf of the people who are eager to rebuild their country, establish their constitutional authorities, and introduce order to political and administrative work," Salam said, launching Lebanon's appeal to its Arab brethrens to extend a helping hand to it, in light of an unprecedented economic and financial crisis in its history.
He concluded by underlining that "the path of social and economic development and building institutions is an obligation and duty for all Arab countries, as they are entrusted with safeguarding it since it denotes the path of tomorrow and the hope of generations to come."
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