Remarks by Charge d'Affaires Edward White – Open Ceremony
Friday, September 1, 2017

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to join in this fourth LARP Mission.

Looking out at the audience today, I am struck by the bond between the Lebanese-American community and the Lebanese people.  We see examples of the thriving Lebanese diaspora all over the world.  They are united by a shared Lebanese culture of entrepreneurship, drive, and generosity.  And what makes these communities so exceptional is their special bond with Lebanon.  The commitment of organizations like the Lebanese American Renaissance Partnership to a prosperous, secure, and democratic Lebanon cannot be overstated.

The ties between our two countries and peoples run deep.  The United States and Lebanon share more than 150 years of history.  The early days started humbly, for example, when the American University in Beirut was a small college accepting just 16 students in its first class. 

Today, AUB has become a world-class university that, like our partnership, has grown to reflect what we can achieve when we work together. 

LARP’s goals are to develop business ties between our two communities.  It works to support civil society and civic institutions to modernize Lebanon and empower its people. 

This vision is shared by the millions of Americans who see Lebanon as an important partner in global affairs, and a pillar of democracy and diversity in the region.  Over the last decade, the United States has invested nearly $4 billion in Lebanon through various programs that build capacity.  When Lebanon succeeds we all succeed.  And my government’s decision to construct a new, billion-dollar Embassy compound is evidence of our commitment to our bi-lateral relationship and the success and future of Lebanon.

Our partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces – Lebanon’s sole legitimate defender – highlights our commitment to building the capacity of our partner in the fight against terrorism.  Its success ensures a stable, democratic Lebanon.  And I extend my government’s condolences to the families of the brave soldiers who lost their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and in the recent operation against ISIS.

Lebanon is no stranger to hardship.  The American people – in fact the whole world – have been humbled by the generosity and humanity of the Lebanese people, who have hosted well over a million Syrian refugees since 2011.  We recognize the importance of today’s discussions on infrastructure and services as communities throughout Lebanon face this challenge.  The Lebanese are looking to increase international cooperation to build up their infrastructure and to address the humanitarian situation.  To that end, the United States recently pledged $140 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon.  Partnering with international organizations and all levels of the Lebanese Government, we seek to assist these refugees, and the communities that host them. 

On the commercial front, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut stands ready to work with U.S. businesses that invest and establish themselves in Lebanon.  As one of the world’s most ancient commercial centers, Lebanon is a natural home to international business.  Its robust financial sector has cemented it as a regional banking capital, attracting international business of every variety.  The recent example of Cigna, U.S. insurance giant and Fortune 100 leader, which recently announced its entry into the Lebanese market and plans to expand in the region, is one I would like to applaud.  We hope others will follow its example.

Every day, we meet bankers, business leaders, and government officials to find ways to collaborate to assure Lebanon’s continued role in global markets.  Thanks to the remarkable Lebanese workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who drive the economy, the opportunities to increase the business ties between our two countries have never been greater.

I am confident that Lebanon’s future is bright.  The United States looks forward to working with our Lebanese partners to realize their potential.  Thanks to your efforts today, we have taken another step in the right direction.  

Thank you again for the opportunity to join you here today, and congratulations on the success of your fourth LARP Mission.