07 April 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz paid a courtesy call on Mr. Michel Pharaon, the new Minister of Tourism of Lebanon, on April 2, to convey to him the Philippines’ felicitations and best wishes on the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Tammam Salam and on his own appointment as Minister of Tourism. 

Ambassador Ruiz briefed Minister Pharaon on the status of Philippines-Lebanon relations, particularly on the initiatives of the Embassy in enhancing the relations of the two countries in the areas of politics, trade, tourism and culture, as well as on mutual efforts to strengthen labor cooperation.

Minister Pharaon also took the opportunity to inform Ambassador Ruiz of the initiatives that the Ministry of Tourism is undertaking under his leadership to attract more tourists to come to Lebanon. Both sides agreed to encourage more tourism exchanges between the Philippines and Lebanon.

Minister Pharaon was re-elected as MP for Beirut 2009 and previously served as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs in 2000 and 2005 and Minister of State for Administrative Development in 2009. END