Conducted a Series of Visits in Tripoli Accompanied by Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong: "North Lebanon can play an important role in the Lebanese economy and in the reconstruction of Syria.
Conducted a Series of Visits in Tripoli Accompanied by Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah
Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong:
"North Lebanon can play an important role in the Lebanese economy and in the reconstruction of Syria.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/-8oKk1tLma4
El Abdallah: "China Extends True Partnership"
Tripoli, December 4, 2025 – Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong stated that China is fully prepared to enhance cooperation and activate Chinese-Lebanese partnerships in ways that serve the interests of both sides and drive development forward. He emphasized his country’s desire to "strengthen cooperation, especially in the north, given its geographic importance and proximity to Syria, which makes it a central hub for future reconstruction projects."
During a visit to Tripoli yesterday, heading the political and commercial team at the embassy, accompanied by Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, head of the Lebanese Chinese Business Association, he added: "The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative is not a political slogan but a bridge of connection between the Lebanese and Chinese peoples in all fields." He anticipated that Tripoli would play a leading role at this level in the future, as China is a friend of Lebanon and Tripoli, "and we will support it in various fields." He confirmed that the embassy resumed issuing visas to Lebanese citizens at the end of September to develop the Chinese-Lebanese partnership.
Ambassador Chen Chuandong’s visits included meetings with Tawfiq Deboussi, President of the Tripoli and North Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture; Acting Governor of the North, Iman Al-Rafii; and Tripoli Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh, before concluding his tour with a lunch at the residence of Head of the Dignity Movement, MP Faisal Karami.
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah said during the tour: "It is a historic day. We conducted an intensive tour of the northern capital, Tripoli, alongside Ambassador Chen Chuandong. We strongly and firmly affirm that Lebanon has a unique historical opportunity to move toward new horizons of growth and prosperity, especially through active engagement in the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative."
Chamber of Commerce: Preparing for a Lebanese-Chinese Conference from Greater Tripoli
The first stop for the ambassador and his delegation was the Tripoli and North Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, where he was received by Chamber President Tawfiq Deboussi. A meeting was held with Vice President Ibrahim Fawz, Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, Abdel Ghani Kabbara, Chamber Director General Linda Sultan, Board Chairman and General Manager of Bayat Nasri Mouwad Association, and Chamber Lab Director Dr. Khaled Al-Omari. President Deboussi briefed the Chinese ambassador on the history of Lebanese relations with China in general, and Tripoli specifically.
Deboussi said: "We extend our congratulations on China’s achievements and its global relationships, as well as its unprecedented accomplishments in the economy, industry, and other fields. While Lebanon’s circumstances remain difficult, we are laying the foundations and preparing for the next stage and look forward to cooperating with you."
He highlighted Tripoli Chamber’s participation in Chinese events, including the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that it hosted an Arab international conference on this subject. He hoped that China would be a partner in the integrated economic system being built in Tripoli, which has impressed Chinese experts who "confirmed that we are capable of meeting all partnership requirements." Deboussi expressed hope that "we embark on a new phase with China to prepare for bilateral Lebanese-Chinese relations from Greater Tripoli." He promised a Lebanese-Chinese conference from Tripoli.
The Chinese ambassador responded positively to Deboussi’s proposals, particularly regarding the need to strengthen relations between the Chamber, Lebanon, and China, stating: "China has worked with Lebanon for a long time, and Tripoli is historically part of the Silk Road and provides an example of trade exchange." He emphasized that this route will place Lebanon in a very important position and that China and Lebanon are friends along this path because Lebanon holds a significant place in culture and tourism, and the Chinese and Lebanese peoples respect each other. "The Silk Road is not a political slogan but a connection and communication between the two peoples in all fields," he added, expecting Tripoli to play a leading role in the future. As China is a friend of Lebanon and Tripoli, "we will support it in all fields."
Subsequently, an extended meeting included Dr. Hani Al-Shaarani, Chairman of the Rashid Karami International Fair; Dr. Hassan Dnawi, Head of the Tripoli Special Economic Zone; and Sara Al-Sharif, Deputy Head of Tripoli Port. The participants discussed ways to develop cooperation between Lebanon and China from Tripoli. The ambassador affirmed Lebanon’s capability for success and wished for peace and security in the future, noting that China is a loyal friend of Lebanon, seeks to support its security and economy, and promotes collaboration. He also confirmed that the embassy resumed issuing visas to Lebanese citizens at the end of September to facilitate travel between China and Lebanon.
Al-Rafii: The North Holds Vast Investment Opportunities
Acting Governor of the North, Iman Al-Rafii, then welcomed the ambassador and his delegation at her office in the Tripoli Serail, in the presence of Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah. The meeting focused on ways to enhance joint cooperation and develop vital projects and infrastructure in Tripoli and the North, particularly in transport, infrastructure, and development and training initiatives in which China can contribute to scientific and economic fields.
Al-Rafii welcomed the Chinese ambassador and delegation, saying: "We appreciate China’s role in supporting Lebanon during these difficult times," praising its "steadfast stance alongside the Lebanese people and their legitimate causes." She stressed that "the North has vast investment and development opportunities," calling for "enhanced coordination on economic, social, and service projects." She emphasized "the importance of exchanging expertise and cooperating in technology, vocational training, and academic education, to empower Lebanese talents and improve public services in the governorate."
Ambassador Chen Chuandong thanked Al-Rafii for the warm reception and confirmed China’s commitment to "building strong partnerships with Lebanon and deepening the bonds of friendship between the two peoples." He noted that "Chinese-Lebanese relations are witnessing remarkable progress in political, economic, and development areas," and expressed his country’s desire to "expand cooperation, especially in the north, given its geographic importance and proximity to Syria, making it a central hub for future reconstruction projects." He highlighted "the importance of activating vital infrastructure in the North Governorate, including Tripoli Port, the Special Economic Zone, Rashid Karami International Fair, and President Rene Mouawad Airport in Al-Qlayaat, as essential pillars for economic growth and attracting investments." He hoped the visit would be "an additional step toward greater cooperation between the two countries, and that relations between China and Lebanon in general, and the North in particular, would be solid and advanced, translating into tangible projects benefiting the local population and both peoples."
Tripoli Municipality: Towards Reviving Agreements
Tripoli Mayor Dr. Abdel Hamid Karimeh received Ambassador Chen and his delegation at the Noufal Palace to discuss city matters and ways to enhance cooperation between China and Tripoli, particularly in development, infrastructure, and culture.
During the meeting, the ambassador emphasized the need to revive agreements and joint projects, expressing China’s full readiness to strengthen cooperation and activate partnerships that serve the interests of both sides and advance development.
The mayor stressed the importance of this partnership, confirming that Tripoli is open to constructive international cooperation and welcomes any initiative that supports the city and develops its capabilities.
Karami: Tripoli Ready to Play a Regional and International Role
At the end of the long Tripoli day, Head of the Dignity Movement, MP Faisal Karami, received the Chinese ambassador, along with the diplomatic and economic delegation, Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, and lawyers Zaher Al-Ali and Fawaz Zakaria.
Political, municipal, and economic figures from Tripoli also attended, including MPs Muhammad Yahya and Haider Nasser, Tawfiq Deboussi, and mayors of Tripoli, Mina, Badawi, and Al-Qalamoun, in addition to Dr. Hani Al-Shaarani, Dr. Hassan Dnawi, and Dr. Ahmed Tamer, Director of Tripoli Port. MP Faisal Karami emphasized the importance of Tripoli and its strategic location, affirming its ability to play a central role in regional and international initiatives, especially projects aligned with China’s vision for international cooperation. He discussed development files including port enhancement, activating the Special Economic Zone, supporting industrial and commercial sectors, and boosting investment opportunities to create jobs and stimulate the city’s economy.
The ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to deepening relations with Lebanon and enhancing cooperation in economic and development fields, expressing appreciation for Karami’s warm reception and recognizing Tripoli’s potential as a city capable of becoming a bridge for future investment projects.
El Abdallah: China Extends a True Hand of Partnership
At the conclusion of the extensive Tripoli visit, Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah said: "The ambassador’s message in Tripoli was clear and explicit: China extends a hand of true partnership, not just aid, and places all its vast capabilities in infrastructure, technological, and economic development at Lebanon’s disposal. The Belt and Road Initiative is not a passing political slogan, as the ambassador said, but a practical roadmap toward the future. Lebanon is called to be an active partner at the heart of this initiative, not on its margins. Lebanon must not continue missing opportunities, and we call for full official Lebanese engagement in this civilizational project, and for Tripoli, with its strategic location and vital ports, to become a primary launch platform for Chinese-Lebanese-Arab cooperation."
El Abdallah concluded: "I do not believe there is room for hesitation or delay at this critical stage. We also make an urgent appeal to Lebanese companies and productive institutions: it is time to rise to the challenge and raise standards of quality and competitiveness to global levels. Active participation in international exhibitions organized by China is not optional, but a national duty and an economic necessity. These exhibitions are our bridges to global markets, laboratories for our competitive ability, and key tools to strengthen joint cooperation. We thank the ambassador for this exceptional tour that included the city’s active economic, administrative, and political authorities. This confirms China’s deep seriousness and strategic vision regarding Lebanon. Today, we have laid the foundation for a new phase, and we must all build upon it quickly, seriously, and with unwavering determination."
