The Australian - Lebanese Chamber of Commerce held a Luncheon in Honour of  H.E. Giscard El-Khoury

“To be Lebanese is to be a representative of thousands of years of civilized engagement and cultural openness.” -- Giscard Khoury, Charge d'Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy.

18/4/2016

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

The Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce held a luncheon in honour of HE Giscard Khoury, charge d’Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy in Canberra.  Among those present were the chairman of the ALCC Joe Khattar and fellow board members, H.E. Bishop Paul Saliba, H.E. Bishop Antoine Tarabay, Joe Rizk the CEO of Arab Bank Australia, the Consul General of Lebanon in Sydney, members of Hadchit Association, business and media personalities.

During the luncheon a number of speeches were delivered.

Excerpt of address by Joe Khattar, ALCC chairman

On behalf of the Australian Lebanese Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to this Luncheon in honour of our new Charge d’ Affaires in Canberra, Mr. Giscard El Khoury, and we as a Chamber wanted to welcome him, and wish him a very pleasant and productive period in Canberra ...

 We take pride in the ongoing relationship we have with the Lebanese Embassy, with whom we have always co-ordinated our Trade and economic activities between Australia and Lebanon and visa versa …

Excerpt of Speech by H.E. Giscard Khoury, Charge d'Affaires of the Lebanese Embassy in Canberra

Lebanon-Australia relations have always been friendly, cordial and family based. Seldom have we seen a family in Lebanon who has no immediate relative here; rarely have these relatives not extended a helping hand back home. So although trade relations are no match for the high level of people-to-people engagement, there are other bilateral dimensions that more than offset such a trade gap.

Lebanon would not, and could not, ask of the Lebanese here in Australia more than they can give. However, what Lebanon expects is that all Lebanese, by birth or by descent, to be the best ambassadors of that legacy of our forefathers: a legacy of respect for family, diversity, love to freedom, and searching for success. To be Lebanese is to be a representative of thousands of years of civilized engagement and cultural openness.

Intolerance and religious fanaticism are alien to us, and utterly rejected.

As Anzac Day approaches, we remember Australia's fallen soldiers and assure that the Lebanese in Australia, with their diverse religious background, have utmost loyalty to Australia and respect to its fundamental values and should feel no less than full integration in a country that has been so hospitable, so generous, and so fair.

Out of this loyalty comes a responsibility to foster a greater and a mutually beneficial relationship between Australia and Lebanon.

The ALCC could certainly play a very significant role. As an embassy, we can only go so far. As a chamber, a group of prestigious reputation and prominent endeavours known to many, you can go to great lengths in serving as a bridge for both worlds.

I invite you to play this bridging role. As you make your presentations, and maybe submissions to governments and business bodies, I invite you to make the case for increased business interaction. Let not the troubles in Lebanon deter your enthusiasm as these are hopefully transitory.

Excerpt of Speech by Joe Rizk, Arab Bank Australia CEO

I think it is important, at an event like this, that we highlight the great work that Joe, the chairman and his board do in terms of building bridges between Australia and Lebanon. Of course we are here to honour HE Giscard Khoury and his appointment to Canberra. 

We all love to see a diplomat who relates with the Lebanese community. It develops a feeling for this great country. That is so critical. There is one important thing that a diplomat needs to do and extremely well. 

They are representing Lebanon in this country. He has carried himself extremely well diplomatically in Canberra and the states. I assure you that my recent meetings with His Excellency have given me a great deal of comfort knowing that someone of his calibre is dealing with diplomatic issues.