Salam: We Cannot Ask the Diaspora to Invest in Their Homeland Without Real Guarantees

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam received a delegation from the World Lebanese Cultural Union headed by Ibrahim Constantine, with the attendance of Board Chairman Abbas Fawaz.

During the meeting, Salam affirmed that "the Lebanese diaspora has always been a fundamental pillar in Lebanon's resilience, through the support it provided to its people and the successes, expertise, and relationships it accumulated across the world. Today, we bear the responsibility of enhancing security and stability and proceeding with reforms, which provides an environment that protects their rights and encourages them to invest in their homeland. We want them to be actual partners in reviving Lebanon and building its future, and to benefit from their energies, competencies, and relationships in various fields."

Following the meeting, Constantine said: "We were honored today to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam. The meeting was an opportunity to convey the aspirations of the Lebanese in the diaspora and to confirm the readiness of the World Lebanese Cultural Union to work with the state and its institutions to serve Lebanon. We also focused on the importance of transforming the energies, competencies, and international relations of the diaspora into a real partnership that contributes to the nation's revival. We stressed that restoring trust begins with serious reforms, an independent judiciary, combating corruption, and protecting the rights of depositors and investors. We cannot ask the Lebanese abroad to invest in their homeland without real guarantees and trust."

He added: "We also raised the situation in the South and the necessity of ensuring security and stability for its people and their return to their land and homes with dignity. We confirmed that the World Lebanese Cultural Union is not a substitute for the state, but rather a support for it and a partner in supporting its institutions and Lebanon's sovereignty. Our message was clear: the Lebanese in the diaspora are not merely communities carrying Lebanon's name, but a national force capable of contributing to shaping its future. We thank His Excellency the President for his reception and look forward to translating this dialogue into practical cooperation that serves Lebanon and all its children."

He concluded by saying: "We reassured His Excellency the President that the Lebanese in the diaspora are ready to invest in their homeland, and he in turn reassured us that things are moving in a positive direction and there is readiness in this field, but it needs some time," expressing his optimism.