Beirut: A street in Lebanon has been named in honor of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.
The inauguration ceremony for King Salman Avenue — a huge political occasion, attended by the Saudi envoy Nizar Alaoula — was described as a celebration that “reaffirms the deep-rooted relationship between Riyadh and Beirut.”
The street, the first in the country named after a Saudi king, is on the road from Minet El Hosn to Zaitunay Bay. It runs parallel to the sea, is 1.3 kilometers long and 45 meters wide, and features some of the country’s finest hotels and tourist attractions.
Diplomats from the Saudi embassy in Lebanon welcomed VIP guests at the inauguration ceremony, including: Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri; former President Michel Suleiman; former prime ministers Fouad Siniora, Tammam Salam and Najib Mikati; Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea; head of the Democratic Gathering Walid Jumblatt and his delegation; and representatives of the spiritual authorities.
Some members of the public who attended the ceremony carried photos of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, one of King Salman’s titles, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Hariri.
Saudi Minister Plenipotentiary Walid Bukhari described the naming of the road as “proof of the Lebanese people’s deep love for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who embodies peace and moderation.”
He added: “This wonderful initiative reminds us of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, who was martyred meters from here.
“I am very happy to see this country safe, stable, and secure...the gem of moderation that brings together people who carry tolerant messages.
“Saudi Arabia has always been, and will always be, the guarantor of security, safety, and stability in Lebanon, and will always protect its unity.”
Bukhari praised the continuing efforts of Prime Minister Hariri, President Michel Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in facing and overcoming difficulties to ensure peace, stability, and sustainable development in their country.
“The Saudi-Lebanese relationship is well-established and will remain as strong and stable as the cedar tree,” he added.
Hariri said: “Beirut, with all its diversity, has gathered here to honor a great Arab figure who stood by Lebanon during the darkest of circumstances.
“Saudi Arabia has conveyed the true meaning of brotherhood in its relationship with Lebanon. The Kingdom has a glorious history as a supporter of Lebanon. It sponsored the Taif Agreement and ended the Lebanese tragedy.
“The history Lebanon shares with Saudi Arabia is unbreakable, no matter how hard others sought to do so, and this evening in Beirut confirms that Lebanon’s Arab identity is above all else.”
Beirut Mayor Jamal Itani said that “the area in which King Salman Avenue is located is of strategic importance because it’s a vital economic bloodline and a cultural meeting point for Beirut’s diverse residents.”
He added: “The Municipality of Beirut decided to name the avenue after King Salman as a gesture of appreciation for all that the Kingdom has done for Lebanon.”
Jumblatt said: “King Salman has a great history of supporting Lebanon, especially when he and King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz participated in facing the Tripartite Aggression in 1956.
“This is Beirut — the Beirut of Arab resistance, patriotism and steadfastness.”
During the ceremony, doves and 7,000 balloons were released, while a fireworks display illuminated the sky in the center of the capital.
The Municipality of Beirut said: “Releasing the doves symbolized peace, which is the focus of King Salman’s attention through the King Salman Center for International Peace and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.”
Lebanon celebrates ties with Kingdom as street in Beirut is named after King Salman
Lebanon celebrates ties with Kingdom as street in Beirut is named after King Salman
- The street, the first in the country named after a Saudi king, is on the road from Minet El Hosn to Zaitunay Bay
- Has been described as a celebration of "deep-rooted" Saudi-Lebanon relationship
The art of war: fears for masterpieces on loan to Louvre Abu Dhabi
- UAE paid more than €1 billion to borrow priceless works, but experts in France want them back
PARIS: The Middle East war has raised fears for the safety of priceless masterpieces on loan from France to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the museum’s only foreign branch.
The Abu Dhabi museum, which opened in 2017, has so far escaped damage from nearly 1,800 Iranian drone and missile strikes launched since the conflict erupted on Feb. 28.
However, concerns are mounting in France. “The works must be removed,” said Didier Selles, who helped broker the original agreement between France and the UAE.
French journal La Tribune de l’Art echoed that alarm. “The Louvre’s works in Abu Dhabi must be secured!” it said.
France’s culture ministry said French authorities were “in close and regular contact with the authorities of the UAE to ensure the protection of the works loaned by France.”
Under the agreement with the UAE, France agreed to provide expertise, lend works of art and organize exhibitions, in return for €1 billion, including €400 million for licensing the use of the Louvre name. The deal was extended in 2021 to 2047 for an additional €165 million.
Works on loan include paintings by Rembrandt and Chardin, Classical statues of Isis, Roman sarcophagi and Islamic masterpieces: such as the Pyxis of Al-Mughira.
A Louvre Abu Dhabi source said the museum was designed to protect collections from both security threats and natural disasters.
