On Tuesday morning, Minister of Information in the caretaker government, Ziad Makari, and Turkish Ambassador Ali Barış Ulusoy inaugurated the new studio at TeleLiban - Tallet Al-Khayat, which has been rehabilitated and equipped by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). The ceremony was attended by department heads, directors, and officials of the diverse programs at the television station.
The inauguration began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a tour of the rehabilitated and equipped studio, along with a film showcasing the progress of the works. The Turkish Ambassador expressed his pleasure to be with the Minister of Information and the TeleLiban team in launching this project, which was accomplished by the Turkish agency active in Lebanon for the past 15 years.
He stated, "This project aims to renew the main studio at TeleLiban, in addition to the adjacent waiting area. We are happy to participate in this project because we know that TeleLiban holds a significant place in modern Lebanese history, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s when it was the first television channel in the Arab world. Our participation aims to rehabilitate the infrastructure of this television station so that it can continue broadcasting successfully." He emphasized that "the Turkish government and its embassy in Lebanon, along with TIKA, will continue to support Lebanese institutions, especially during these difficult times."
Minister Makari welcomed the Turkish ambassador and embassy officials, praising the work done in the studio. He noted that "despite the difficult circumstances we are experiencing, Turkey continues to work on important programs and projects in the region." He emphasized that "TeleLiban, the first in the Middle East, is a trust in our hands and in the hands of those who will later take over the management of this esteemed institution."
He stated, "We have at TeleLiban a just national message. In addition to combating fake news and hate speech, the television will launch new programs and inject new blood into its staff. We thank the employees for their efforts to elevate its status, knowing that they are working at their best. I hope this cooperation with the Turkish embassy continues with other projects. We thank TIKA for its efforts, professionalism, and expertise."
Minister Makari also expressed gratitude to Chef Antoine for his program on Lebanese, Arab, and international cuisine aired on TeleLiban. The event concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaques between Minister Makari, the Turkish ambassador, and TIKA.
