On Friday, Minister of Public Works in the caretaker government Ali Hamieh discussed the general conditions and recent developments in Lebanon and the region with the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Pombardieri, in his office at the ministry. The discussions included the presidential election issue as well as various matters related to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, particularly the ports and transport sectors.
Hamieh emphasized to Pombardieri that "dialogue among Lebanese is essential to achieve the presidential election and ensure the regularity of political life in Lebanon," stressing that "the developments occurring in Lebanon and the region should not prevent us from insisting on continuing our efforts to activate work in Lebanese facilities."
He stated, "These developments should provide us with an additional incentive to continue our diligent and persistent work to ensure that our vital facilities continue to perform their national roles."
In this context, he welcomed the information provided by Ambassador Pombardieri regarding the decision by the Italian airline ITA Airways to operate flights on the Rome-Beirut route, with a frequency of 11 flights per week starting from early April. He noted that "this, in itself, is a renewed factor of confidence in a vital Lebanese facility and positively reflects on both the state and citizens, as well as contributes to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries."
He concluded by stating, "These facilities, following the reforms that have been made, particularly concerning the ports and the airport, have now made a acknowledged contribution to maintaining the economic cycle in Lebanon - even at the minimum required level - especially under such conditions that the region is currently experiencing."
