Beirut - George Chahine
Lebanese First Lady, Wafaa Sleiman received the wife of Armenian President Rita Sargsyan, and her husband on their official visit to Lebanon, at the Presidential Palace. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss mutual topics of interest, including the social and humanitarian situation in Lebanon and Armenia, as well as the role of Lebanese of Armenian origin living in Lebanon. Sleiman welcomed Sargsyan and wished her a pleasant stay in Lebanon, praising the special program for the visit to Lebanon, which included a visit to Grotto, the city of Jbeil and Haigazian University. Both Sleiman and Sargsyan met Dr Nabil Haddad, General Manager at the cave in Grotto. He welcomed everyone and explained the history and importance of the cave. The delegation then went to the Birds Nest foundation in the city of Jbeil, where they were received by a representative of the Patriarch Aram I, father Osieck Mardirosean, and the director of the Foundation, Mr. Samuel Puyanjian. Soon after, the duo went to the cemetery of Maria Jacobsen, where both women placed a bouquet of flowers. This was followed by a visit to the Church of Saint Kayani, to light candles on behalf of the Lebanese and Armenian people. The two women also visited the ancient city of Byblos, where they went to the Wax Museum. They were met by artist Shawki Abu Hanna, who designed the statues of wax and the working staff at the museum. The last stop was at the church of Saint John Mark, where Father Rayes Elias Andari, and a number of fathers of the monastery, along with Jbeil Mayor Ziad Hawat welcomed the two ladies. Sleiman and Sargsyan roamed the markets of the ancient city of Byblos accompanied by tour guide Yazid Mahfouz. At the end of the visit gifts were exchanged between the two delegations and the women.