Rabweh: Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Melkite Greek Catholics Youssef Absi received Australia’s new ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Wilson, at the patriarchal headquarters in Rabweh for a courtesy visit during which they reviewed current developments and regional affairs.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Absi also met with MP Melhem Riachy to discuss the general situation in Lebanon in light of recent regional developments, as well as matters concerning the Melkite community.

The Patriarch later received Iraqi Minister of Christian, Yazidi and Mandaean Endowments Rami Joseph Aghajan and an accompanying official and religious delegation. Talks focused on the situation of Christians in Iraq, the proposed personal status law concerning Christian communities, and ecclesiastical relations between Lebanon and Iraq.

Among other visitors were officials from the National Social Security Fund, members of the judiciary, representatives of cultural associations and legal and academic figures.