BEIRUT - H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat paid a courtesy visit with Lebanon’s Minister for Public Works and Transportation, H.E. Ali Hamie, on 31 October 2023 to discuss the Philippine Embassy’s contingency plans and proposed updating of the air services agreement between the Philippines and Lebanon.

Ambassador Balatbat Raymond during the call with Minister Ali Hamie. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Lebanese Republic

Minister Hamie graciously accommodated the Ambassador Balatbat’s request for assistance in coordinating with the concerned local agencies and committed to supporting the Embassy in the implementation of its contingency plans. Minister Hamie also welcomed the proposal to revive the 1968 Philippines-Lebanon air services agreement to promote commercial air transport and travel between the two countries.

During the call, Ambassador Balatbat underscored the importance of coordinating the Embassy’s contingency plan with Lebanese stakeholders to ensure the protection and welfare of Filipino nationals in Lebanon. There are nearly 17,500 Filipino nationals in Lebanon, including permanent, temporary, and irregular migrants.

The Philippine Embassy continues to monitor the security situation in the country and regularly releases relevant advisories to ensure the welfare and security of Filipino nationals in Lebanon.

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