Patriarchs and religious leaders attend Iftar banquet at Saudi Embassy

BEIRUT – The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Lebanon, Walid al-Bukhari, on Monday hosted an Iftar banquet for the heads of churches, religious sects and clergy in Lebanon, at the Saudi embassy in Beirut.

Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and all the East Mor Ignatius Yawsef III Younan, Syriac Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the East, Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï, the Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I Keshishian, several bishops and heads of Islamic denominations, and a group of ambassadors accepted the invitation.

During the meeting, Ambassador al-Bukhari warmly welcomed all present and expressed his joy and happiness at this gathering which embodies brotherhood and coexistence between all sects and religions. The ambassador thanked everyone for accepting the invitation and praised their efforts to promote the spirit of love, dialogue, solidarity and respect among all Lebanese. The ambassador referred to the excellent relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, and the Kingdom’s continued support for the Lebanese people and assisting them in their crises and trials.

A joint prayer of consolation and patience was said for the families of the victims of the boat that sank two days ago in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli.