NNA - Member of the Strong Republic parliamentary bloc, MP Ghada Ayoub, participated in the ceremony held in Villepreux in the French Yvelines Province to sign a partnership agreement between the French town of Villepreux and the southern Lebanese town of Azour in Jezzine.
The ceremony was attended by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, MP Beatrice Perron, Chargé d'Affaires at the Lebanese Embassy in Paris Ziad Taan, Mayor of Villepreux Jean-Baptiste Aumonique, Mayor of Houydan Jean-Marie Teter, Mayor of Azour Joseph Azouri, French Coordinator in the Lebanese Forces Zuhair Basbous, President of the Les Libanais en Yvelines Association Joe Abi Nader, and a crowd of residents of Azour and Villepreux, as well as French-Lebanese residents in France, representatives of Lebanese associations in France, and Lebanese and French political, academic, cultural, and media figures.
In a brief word on the occasion, Ayoub expressed joy to be partaking "in this Lebanese-French day alongside the French and Lebanese communities, especially the people of Jezzine and Azour, and all my French friends and fellow citizens of Lebanon."
She said: "Today, I am experiencing moments of happiness, standing beside you, my French friends and fellow citizens of Lebanon," emphasizing the "importance of the agreement, which comes within the framework of strengthening the historical relations between France and Lebanon."
"Together we affirm this cooperation between the municipalities of Azour and Villepreux and the relations that unite our two countries, which will be stronger than ever, because they have become necessary, and indeed indispensable. We will not forget that France has always been by Lebanon's side and has never stopped assisting it on the security, Francophone, cultural, and development levels," Ayoub went on.
The MP deemed that "Lebanon's value lies in building distinctive relations abroad, which has always made it a bridge between East and West," adding, "We will not forget that in our genes, as Lebanese, there are common values that unite us with the French, especially our belief in freedom, the liberty that lies at the heart of Francophonie, the freedom to which Lebanon has tied its destiny, as the late President of the Lebanese Republic, Charles Helou, said."
Addressing the participants, Ayoub said: "Lebanon is a civilizational necessity and a model of pluralism in this stricken region of the world. Lebanon's message is a civilizational message par excellence, based on the spirit of unity, coexistence, and religious diversity. Therefore, the Lebanese will not abandon this message, nor will they abandon this nation in its distinctive message, human values, and sacred character. Freedom is the essence of Lebanon's existence, and a free existence is the foundation upon which the role and message are based."
"We appreciate the warm hospitality and distinguished welcome extended to our countrymen and Lebanese youth, especially in recent years. We thank you for your honest treatment of every Lebanese, and for your respect and loyalty to the historic ties between our two countries, which we will maintain and enhance through our shared heritage, civilization, and shared values," Ayoub continued to affirm.
In turn, French Foreign Minister Barrot expressed his pleasure to be partaking in this meeting between France and Lebanon, saying: “I am here today because of an active and efficient person, the distinguished mayor who heads the municipality of Villepreux, a vibrant, dynamic city. The second motivation for my presence here today is the interest of the local authorities and their role in supporting decentralized international cooperation that strengthens relations and communication between peoples of the world and the French people through partnerships and cooperation agreements, as is happening today. The third motivation is Lebanon and its great people, who have suffered over the years from several difficult crises, the most horrific of which was the Beirut port explosion and its repercussions on Lebanon. Then came the Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon, which caused the displacement of more than a million Lebanese from their towns, in addition to thousands of martyrs and wounded. However, thanks to the enthusiasm and mobilization of the Lebanese people, and to France’s support for Lebanon, in addition to the support of its friends, a new hope was born for Lebanon’s revival. This is in addition to the international conference to support the population and sovereignty of Lebanon, which was held in Paris in October at the initiative of the President of the French Republic and in cooperation with the United Nations. Seventy countries and international organizations involved in Lebanon participated in the conference, alongside representatives of non-governmental organizations, local and regional authorities, and the private sector, reflecting good mobilization by the international community to urgently address the crisis facing Lebanon, providing massive amounts of humanitarian aid and more than a billion dollars to the security forces and the Lebanese people.'
Barrot also hailed France's support for the election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of a government headed by Judge Nawaf Salam, which is expected to commit to implementing the necessary reforms to put Lebanon on the path toward recovery.
He said, "What we are doing is a step within the framework of a plan that will help secure aid for Lebanon."
Barrot concluded by commending the preservation of the friendship between France and Lebanon, saying, "Let us recall the words of General de Gaulle when he said - 'Lebanon is the only country in the world, the only people in the world, that beats to the same rhythm as the heart of France, and has a special place in the heart of every Frenchman' - Today, the heart of Lebanon and the heart of France are beating with life and love, with the hope that we will all meet next year in Azour in southern Lebanon."
The ceremony included a presentation of the friendship stamp between Villepreux and Azour by Elie Awad (LEBA), and the handing over of the three-part painting to the mayors of Villepreux and Azour and the president of the "Lebanese in Yvelines" association (LEY).
The event also included various stations: a tasting of Lebanese food, a handicrafts exhibition, games and recreational activities, and a children's exhibition. Additionally, a lecture on "Jezzine Through History" was delivered by the Cultural Attaché at the Lebanese Mission to UNESCO in Paris, Writer Bahjat Rizk. Yves Betat also spoke about the history of Villepreux.
The event concluded with a concert by Christian Najjar, accompanied by musician and composer Elie Maalouf and his band, crowning a long day of Lebanese hospitality in France.
=============R.Sh.
