Beirut: President of the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Mohammed Ben Sulayem, arrived in Beirut on Saturday afternoon at the invitation of the President of the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL), Nabil Karam, to attend the 48th edition of the International Rally of Lebanon.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Ben Sulayem was welcomed at the VIP lounge of Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport. The reception was attended by Karam, FIA World Rally Championship Commission President Imad Lahoud, and Ben Sulayem's Chief-of-Staff, Jacques Skaim, who arrived in Lebanon last Thursday to prepare for the visit. Several journalists and media representatives were also present to welcome the FIA President.

Karam expressed that Ben Sulayem's visit is a sign of confidence in Lebanon and support for the club's organization of the 48th Rally of Lebanon. Ben Sulayem is scheduled to meet with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace on Monday. Karam also extended his wishes for Ben Sulayem's success in his role as FIA President.

Ben Sulayem shared his pleasure at returning to Lebanon after 15 years, having last visited in 2011. A former winner of the Rally of Lebanon, he praised ATCL's efforts in organizing races and expressed his support for promoting motorsport. He fondly recalled his past competitions with Lebanese rally driver Karam.

Lahoud commented that Ben Sulayem's presence in Lebanon reflects his confidence in the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon and in motorsport within the country. He noted that having the FIA President attend the Rally of Lebanon is a significant moment for motorsport enthusiasts.