Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have strong and deep-rooted ties, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Alaan Hakim said as he inaugurated Lebanese Week on Saturday.

The event includes a “made in Lebanon” exhibition, which aims to showcase and promote local products.

The event is organized by the Lebanese Consulate in Jeddah in cooperation with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce of Beirut and M.I.C.E. Arabia.

Ali Awad Asiri, Saudi ambassador to Lebanon, Abdul Sattar Isa, Lebanese ambassador to the Kingdom, Lebanese Consul-General Ziad Atallah and several Saudi businessmen and members of the Lebanese economic delegation were present on the occasion.

The exhibition aims to widen economic and trade relations and boost investment between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and activate cooperation between businessmen in both countries, in addition to promoting Lebanese cuisine.

“Lebanon has strong historical, economic and political relations with Saudi Arabia,” said Asiri. “This exhibition will help strengthen these ties. Lebanese people consider Saudi Arabia their second home.”

“Lebanon occupies a strategic geographic location as much as it is a strategic business partner,” he said.

Asiri said the exhibition would open several job opportunities and new doors for trade and economic relations between the two countries. “This exhibition will take cooperation between the two countries to new heights. The main aim of the exhibition is to showcase Lebanese products. A handicraft exhibition will also soon be launched.”

“This is an excellent opportunity for the people of both countries to enhance economic trade and bilateral relations,” said Atallah.

“I would like to emphasize the importance of the fact that this is the biggest Lebanese delegation in the history of both countries, which is solid proof of the strong ties between the two countries,” he said. “We want to thank Saudi officials for their support and cooperation in organizing this weeklong event.”

“We hope to hold a similar exhibition in Lebanon in the near future,” said Elie Rizk, CEO of M.I.C.E. Arabia.