The Lebanese Embassy, in cooperation with the Lebanese community in Cyprus, celebrated the inauguration of the statue of the Lebanese philosopher, writer and poet Gebran Khalil Gebran in one of the most important squares of the coastal city of Limassol, near Makarios Avenue. On Saturday, December 10th 2016, Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades unveiled the memorial.
‘Yesterday is but today’s memory and tomorrow is today’s dream’ . Gebran Khalil Gebran
In his inspiring speech, the Cypriot President, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades noted the importance of establishing a statue of the Lebanese philosopher and sculptor Gebran Khalil Gebran in Cyprus, who through his writing and books, around the world and throughout many generations, inspired people to value the importance of kindness, compassion for others, expression of gratitude, and helping others in need. “Exactly what Lebanese people represent”, he added. Mr. Anastasiades also stressed the importance of historical relations between Lebanon and Cyprus on various political, economic and touristic levels. The President welcomed the Lebanese-European partnership project until 2020.
The Ambassador of Lebanon in Cyprus, Dr. Youssef Sadaka, made a welcoming speech in which he stressed the importance of cultural relations between Lebanon and Cyprus and the historical ties between the two countries.
The Mayor of Limassol also addressed the occasion, focusing on the importance of Lebanese Cypriot families and the importance of the Lebanese presence in the city of Limassol. The President of the Gebran National Committee, Dr. Tarek Al-Chidiac, referred in his speech to Gebran's role in spreading Lebanese culture in the countries of the world and the importance of his message.
At the end of the ceremony, Ambassador Sadaka gifted the Mayor of Limassol, and the members of the Lebanese community, a present on the occasion as a token of appreciation for their complete support in the successful execution of the statue project; a project considered a pioneering initiative in promoting cultural exchange between Lebanon and Cyprus.