First-Time Presidential Visit to Australia: Suleiman Goes Down Under
Soumaya Saleh
For the first time in history has a Lebanese President visited Australia. Michel Suleiman kicked off his week with a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Monday. With Australia being home to over 250, 000 people of Lebanese descent, this proved a critical point in Australian-Lebanese relations.
The discussion was dominated by the events in Syria, with the two leaders urging for the' immediate and full implementation' of the six point peace plan advocated by the UN Arab league envoy Kofi Annan, under which the first UN observers have started being deployed.
The leaders went on discussing the building of Australian Lebanese relations, where Suleiman announced "he looked forward to conferring on NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir the National Order of the Cedar in recognition of her contribution to enhancing friendship and co-operation between Lebanon and Australia," a statement from the Prime minister's office indicated.
Furthermore, the two leaders "welcomed the recent establishment of the Australia Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne".
They also confirmed that Lebanese forces will be undertaking joint training in Australia, and Federal funds of an extra 1 million dollars will be placed on the removal of land mines from Southern Lebanon.
The start of the Australia-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne was welcomed by Suleiman and Gillard, which should complement its Sydney based counterpart.
The busy week ahead marks a pivotal point in Lebanese history and foreign affairs. What will be the final ramifications of this for Lebanon and its people? More holiday destinations? Or real political solidarity and progress?
For the first time in history has a Lebanese President visited Australia. Michel Suleiman kicked off his week with a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Monday. With Australia being home to over 250, 000 people of Lebanese descent, this proved a critical point in Australian-Lebanese relations.
The discussion was dominated by the events in Syria, with the two leaders urging for the' immediate and full implementation' of the six point peace plan advocated by the UN Arab league envoy Kofi Annan, under which the first UN observers have started being deployed.
The leaders went on discussing the building of Australian Lebanese relations, where Suleiman announced "he looked forward to conferring on NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir the National Order of the Cedar in recognition of her contribution to enhancing friendship and co-operation between Lebanon and Australia," a statement from the Prime minister's office indicated.
Furthermore, the two leaders "welcomed the recent establishment of the Australia Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne".
They also confirmed that Lebanese forces will be undertaking joint training in Australia, and Federal funds of an extra 1 million dollars will be placed on the removal of land mines from Southern Lebanon.
The start of the Australia-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne was welcomed by Suleiman and Gillard, which should complement its Sydney based counterpart.
The busy week ahead marks a pivotal point in Lebanese history and foreign affairs. What will be the final ramifications of this for Lebanon and its people? More holiday destinations? Or real political solidarity and progress?
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