Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister, Gebran Bassil, highlighted the need for Lebanon "to have the will to survive and the decision to build."

Bassil's words came in a delivered speech during the dinner banquet hosted by Lebanon's Ambassador to France, Rami Adwan, at the Westin Paris - Vendome Hotel at the end of the Lebanese Diaspora Energy Conference held in the French capital.

"Despite the difficult conditions that accompanied the conference, culture turns out to be the real source of power in Lebanon," Bassil said. 

In this context, the minister indicated that, "The Lebanese people pin great importance on culture and have the determination to constantly fight to preserve their homeland; thus, defeating terrorism and unilateralism which are now found in many nearby countries."

"Today's meeting is in the name of Lebanon and in the name of diversity, which is the biggest victory for Lebanon, thanks to your participation in the upcoming elections that will increase the level of political culture in Lebanon and will lead to the improvement of the democratic life," Bassil went on.

"I hope that our new meeting on May 10th, 11th and 12th will pave the way for more deliberations and discussions in order to strengthen our solidarity," he added.

"Your participation in the forthcoming elections will be an expression of your desire to return to Lebanon and practice your citizenship right, which will allow you to be more engaged in everything related to Lebanon," Bassil concluded.