Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rahi, who arrived in the Senegalese capital of Dakar on Friday evening, met with Senegalese President Macky Sall, with talks touching on mutual relations and general developments.
Welcoming Rahi, Sall said: "Receiving the Maronite Patriarch in Senegal is very important to us, and we highly appreciate this visit."
He spoke about the role of the Lebanese community in Senegal, praising its contributions to the growth and development of the country, and pointing to his numerous strong friendships and business relations with many Lebanese, characterized by sincerity and honesty.
Sall expressed his desire to visit Lebanon, affirming his affinity for this country "where religions, sects and cultures intertwine."
For his part, the Patriarch thanked the Senegalese President for his warm reception and keenness on supporting the Lebanese community and his continuous cooperation with them, praising the sacrifices made by Senegal in Lebanon through its participation in the peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon.
Rahi also relayed the Lebanese community's desire to reopen the Senegalese embassy in Beirut, which facilitates and enhances relations and means of cooperation, to which the Senegalese President expressed full readiness.
The Patriarch stressed on strengthening Lebanon's relationship more and more with Senegal "because the Lebanese-Senegalese friendship is very important to us...and serves both the Lebanese and Senegalese people."
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