Lebanon’s ordeal is our ordeal — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, via teleconference on Sunday, participated in the International Conference on Assistance and Support to Beirut and the Lebanese People.

The virtual conference was held at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, with the participation of leaders and representatives of Arab and foreign countries, to mobilise support for Lebanon in the wake of the explosion at the Beirut port last Tuesday, which killed scores and injured thousands, according to a Royal Court statement.

King Abdullah delivered remarks during the conference; following is the full text:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Merci beaucoup mon cher ami,

Monsieur le President,

My dear friends,

I must first begin by paying tribute to the great people of Lebanon. It is for them that we meet today. And our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in this tragic blast, and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.

But even for those who have survived with minor injuries, the scope of this tragedy remains unspeakable. Nearly 300,000 people in Beirut have suddenly found themselves homeless. It just took a few minutes to turn their world upside down, even as they continue to grapple with a pandemic and an economic crisis.

We all realised we must act to support Lebanon, and I thank my dear friends President Macron and His Excellency the UN Secretary General for organising this conference on such a short notice.

My friends,

Lebanon’s ordeal is our ordeal. It affects all our countries, and we cannot stand by and watch.

Indeed, Jordan has already begun sending medical aid, a field hospital, and other relief. We will soon be dispatching additional rescue teams, and food and medical supplies to provide assistance in the short term. Our foreign minister will head to Beirut this week to see how Jordan can complement relief efforts on the ground.

But just as the global pandemic has shown us, Lebanon’s crisis, with all its dimensions, proves that we are all vulnerable, and must work together to prevail.

The way forward must be based on a re-globalisation that better integrates our resources and ensures global synergy and prosperity.

Jordan is ready to play its part, by functioning as a launchpad and a logistical hub to facilitate international and regional humanitarian assistance into Lebanon.

In the long term, and with the international partners, Jordan is ready to help in efforts to boost Lebanon’s strategic food reserves, bolster its energy sector, and support its financial system, as well as its businesses.

And throughout its history, Lebanon has been a beacon of Arab culture, diversity, and enlightenment. We must do whatever we can to preserve that legacy and support the resilient people of Lebanon in overcoming this tragedy.

Thank you. Merci beaucoup mon cher ami.”

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Al Khasawneh, and Adviser to His Majesty for Policies and Media Kemal Al Nasser attended the conference.