16 March 2010
SIDON: The world’s richest man of Lebanese origins Carlos Slim visited Monday his hometown of Jezzine in south Lebanon, 46 years after his last trip to the area. The tycoon arrived to the town’s western entrance accompanied by his sons Carlos junior and Patricio, in addition to Mexico’s Maronite Patriarch George Abi Younes.
Slim was received by former Jezzine MPs Samir Azar and Antoine al-Koury, acting south Lebanon Governor Nicolas Abu Daher, Sidon and Deir al-Qamar Roman Catholic bishop Elie Haddad, the head of the Jezzine Municipal Union Saeed Abu Akl, members of the Slim and Helou families and villagers.
After holding prayers near Jezzine’s Notre Dame Statue, Slim walked to the town’s Municipal Palace court were he was greeted by local crowds.
Abu Akl announced in the name of Jezzine’s municipality that Slim would be considered an honorary citizen of Jezzine.
“It’s an honor and pleasure for me to inform our guest of a decision made by Jezzine’s municipal council to consider him as an honorary citizen of Jezzine,” Abu Akl said.
“You are one of our greatest persons, not only due to your financial success but because you represent morals, education, work and productivity,” Abu Akl added.
After receiving a gift of Jezzine-made traditional cutlery from the town’s Merchants and Craftsmen Association, Slim addressed the crowds, voicing his happiness that he was back in the town that his father left 100 years ago and which he stressed he would take care of.
“We will work united as Lebanese, inhabitants and expatriates to help this area, and to provide new opportunities for its youth, especially in Jezzine so that we remain with each other,” Slim said.
Meanwhile, Bishop Haddad greeted Slim and praised the role played by expatriates. “It is the first time that we feel expatriates are behaving correctly through reconnecting to Lebanon, and precisely to this area that will only flourish with the help of expatriates, especially Carlos Slim, who we welcome in his home,” Haddad said.
Separately, the head of Economic Committees Minister of State Adnan al-Kassar called for a meeting on Tuesday evening with Slim which will be attended by Finance Minister Raya Haffar al-Hassan, Energy and Water Minister Jebran Bassil, Industry Minister Abraham Daddayan, Agriculture Minister Hussein al-Hajj Hassan, Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud and Culture Minister Salim Warde.
The meeting will be held in Andan al-Kassar’s building for Arab Economy near the City Sportive during which the attendants will discuss the economic situation and investment opportunities in Lebanon.
Copyright The Daily Star 2010.
