JEDDAH: Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam inaugurated the new premises of the Lebanese Consulate in Jeddah’s Al-Basatin District, recently.

Salam was on an official visit to the Kingdom on Wednesday. Lebanese Consul General Ziad Atallah praised the strong and long-lasting Saudi-Lebanese relations.

Atallah also paid tribute to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the Saudi government for the support given to Lebanon.

“Saudi Arabia, the hospitable country and the wise and rational government that cares about Lebanon and Lebanese, deserves all the honor and fulfillment from our side,” Atallah said.

He also welcomed Salam who was appointed amid political tensions and has taken steps to address Lebanon’s political, economic, social and security challenges.

While addressing guests, Salam said, “Dear Lebanese, in every meeting with you I am filled with great happiness to meet the elite of the Lebanese diaspora.

I am proud to visit the Kingdom and fulfill the unity of present, fate and future with the valuable Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that values Lebanon and Lebanese, in particular.”

“Congratulations on the new premises which was accomplished due to the efforts of Consul General Atallah and recognized efforts of the embassy.

The strong Saudi-Lebanese relations are historical and will be further boosted. In Lebanon and in the whole region, we face glum circumstances, however I have promised the cabinet to keep the trust despite all complications.

I will never give up hope and the least I can do for my country is to serve Lebanon and the Lebanese people. We will continue until we reach safe shores and agree on a president for our country,” he added.

Salam was accompanied by a delegation of ministers and officials, Lebanon’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Abdel Sattar Issa and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Awad Asiri.

The consulate’s new premises also host the new Consulate Chancery, the consul general’s residence, as well as a Lebanese club that will be the core of all community events and gatherings.