Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador-Designate of the Lebanese Republic to Jamaica, Mr Namir Noureddine in a virtual Ceremony at King’s House on Friday, 5th February 2022.
Sir Patrick extended warm congratulations to the new Ambassador on his appointment and wished him a successful tour of duty.
The Governor-General observed that since the nineteenth century, Jamaica has welcomed many Lebanese nationals whose descendants have occupied prominent positions in our society and continue to make meaningful contributions in areas such as commerce, banking, politics, law, culture and the arts. Sir Patrick noted that former Chief Justice the Right Honourable Sir Edward Zacca, whose family are of Lebanese origin, has previously acted as Governor-General.
Referring to Jamaica’s Motto, “Out Of Many One People,” Sir Patrick said Jamaica had individuals of various ethnic and religious backgrounds, and the country was proud of its legacy of inclusion and the provision of basic human rights.
The Ambassador thanked The Governor-General for his warm welcome and extended greetings on behalf of the President of Lebanon. He said this was a historic moment and referred to the cordial relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Noureddine said Lebanese business and investment, and the empowerment of women in Jamaica would be promoted.
Ambassador Noureddine is resident in Havana, Cuba, and Sir Patrick invited him to visit Jamaica as soon as it was possible. The Ambassador thanked The Governor-General for the invitation and said that although he had not travelled much since his appointment because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he hoped to be able to visit Jamaica soon.
Jamaica and the Lebanese Republic established Diplomatic Relations on the 7th May 1963.