Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Monday conducted a series of meetings at the Grand Serail, engaging with the ambassadors of Canada and Brazil to discuss bilateral relations, development initiatives, and support for Lebanon's security forces.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Salam's meeting with Canadian Ambassador Stephanie McCollum focused on Canada's ongoing support for Lebanon. The discussions included development and humanitarian projects funded by Canada, as well as assistance provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.
Later, Salam met with Brazilian Ambassador Tarcsio Costa, who extended congratulations from Brazilian President Luiz In¡cio Lula da Silva. The discussions emphasized the longstanding and distinguished relations between Lebanon and Brazil. Salam invited Brazil to contribute to the rehabilitation of the Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, a UNESCO-listed site designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. He noted that the project would offer developmental, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits to Tripoli and northern Lebanon while symbolizing strong Lebanese-Brazilian ties.
Additionally, Salam engaged with MP Mohammad Sleiman, a member of the National Moderation bloc, focusing on general national issues and specific demands related to the Akkar region. The discussions particularly addressed the rehabilitation of legal border crossings with Syria to regulate the movement of goods and individuals.
Earlier in the day, Salam welcomed a delegation from "Waqf al-Birr wal-Ihsan" and the Board of Trustees of Beirut Arab University (BAU), including Dr. Amr Houri and Professor Wael Nabil Abdul Salam. The delegation congratulated Salam on forming the new government and securing its confidence. They briefed him on the latest activities and initiatives of BAU and announced that the BAU Board of Trustees decided to award Salam an honorary doctorate in law in recognition of his contributions to diplomacy, justice, and Lebanon.