Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, on Wednesday, delivered a speech during the launch ceremony of the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport Road Rehabilitation Project, held at the airport's Training and Conference Center, emphasizing the symbolic and practical significance of the initiative.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Salam pointed out that in recent months, several meetings have been held with Middle East Airlines (MEA), with the most significant gathering scheduled in a few months to celebrate the company's 80th anniversary. He noted that the current occasion is also meaningful, as MEA's presence abroad, through its offices, pilots, and crew, is a proud reflection of Lebanon, often rivaling the country's diplomatic missions.
The Prime Minister highlighted MEA's role in rehabilitating key airport facilities, including the VIP lounge, describing the company as a model of public-private partnership. Salam mentioned that although MEA is a private company with shareholders, it remains committed to the public interest.
Salam also stressed the importance of the road leading to the airport, referring to it as the first impression for returning Lebanese expatriates and visiting tourists. He praised the rehabilitation work undertaken by Khatib and Alami and addressed the critical need for enhanced security on the airport road. Meetings have already been held with the ministers of defense and interior to tackle this issue.
Concluding his speech, Salam thanked and congratulated MEA Chairman Mohammad El-Hout and all company staff for their ongoing efforts. Following the speech, he toured various MEA departments alongside the ministers of tourism, interior, and public works, receiving a detailed briefing from employees on the company's operations.