NNA – Marking the month of La Francophonie, French Ambassador to Lebanon, Anne Grillo, inaugurated on Saturday the new wing of the French Institute in Lebanon at the Institute’s headquarters in Jounieh.
Alongside the French Ambassador, the openining ceremony was attended by President of the Federation of Keserwan Al-Ftouh Municipalities, Joan Hobeish, and President of the Apostles Institute, Father Moueen Saba, in addition to various cultural and educational figures.
In her word on the occasion, Ambassador Grillo spoke about the importance of the Francophonie, “which represents the values of brotherhood and participation,” indicating that there are 9 centers of the French Institute distributed across Lebanese territories, from Tripoli to Sidon, Tyre, Nabatiyeh, Deir al-Qamar, Baalbek and far-reaching Zahle.
She affirmed France’s commitment to Lebanon and its keenness on this presence, “because Lebanon is diversified and I want to be closer to the Lebanese,” she said.
Grillo hoped that there would be a new partnership in all regions, from Keserwan to Metn and Jbeil, “because even within one region there are peculiarities and this is what makes Lebanon a beautiful country, for you are not alike….Sometimes it is difficult when you try to unite everyone, but your lack of similarity is the wealth of this country,” she asserted.
Grillo also spoke about the possibility of cooperation between mayors in France and Lebanon through various projects, and stressed that “Lebanese men and women are not alone, we are here to stay by your side in this difficult period.”
“I believe that you should look to the future, and demonstrate confidence, courage and the talent that you have,” Grillo concluded, addressing the attendees
==========R.Sh.