RIYADH: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fawzi Kabbara, on Sunday ended his tenure with a visit to Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas at the newspaper’s Riyadh headquarters.
During the meeting, Kabbara acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and praised Arab News for promoting understanding between the two with its “insightful reporting.”
“It is an honor to celebrate the enduring ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia during a time of significant change in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said.
He highlighted the publication’s commitment to journalistic integrity and said it enriched the media landscape and supported diplomatic relations by keeping diplomats informed on local and regional news.
Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Fawzi Kabbara and Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas view editions dating back to the newspaper’s founding in 1975. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Kabbara also emphasized the pivotal role the media played in shaping public opinion and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
During his tour of the newspaper’s headquarters, the envoy viewed editions dating back to its founding in 1975, including its first Christmas cover, the transformation under Abbas’ leadership in 2016 and award-winning editorial cartoons capturing key moments in world history.
Looking ahead, Kabbara said this was not the end of his time in the Kingdom. He expressed his eagerness to return “wearing a different hat” so he could witness the growth of Lebanon-Saudi relations and Arab News’ evolving role.
He concluded by expressing sincere gratitude to Arab News and Abbas. For his part, Abbas thanked the ambassador for his visit and wished him success in his future endeavors.
