Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Monday received FIA President and world champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem at Baabda Palace, in the presence of Youth and Sports Minister Nora Bayrakdarian.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, Ben Sulayem is in Lebanon after attending the 48th edition of the International Rally of Lebanon, organized by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL). The meeting was also attended by UAE Ambassador to Lebanon, Fahad Salem Saeed Al-Kaabi, FIA Rally Commission Head Imad Lahoud, Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) President Nabil Karam, and George Rahal.
World champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his delight at being in Lebanon to attend the International Rally of Lebanon, recalling past years when he won rally championships dating back to 1987. He expressed his appreciation for Lebanon and its people, who supported him during his racing career in the country. He emphasized his commitment, as FIA President, to continue supporting rally racing in Lebanon, both logistically and financially, and expressed his intention to organize a major championship on Lebanese soil. He praised the role played by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon in organizing the event annually.
Minister Bayrakdarian mentioned that the presence of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in Lebanon provides support and encouragement for motorsport. She praised the excellent organization of the International Rally of Lebanon by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon and its efforts to elevate the sport.
Lahoud and Karam discussed the preparations leading up to the rally and the significance of Ben Sulayem's presence in Lebanon. They noted that despite his many commitments, his attendance reflects his love for Lebanon and the importance of the Rally of Lebanon in the motorsport world.
President Aoun welcomed Ben Sulayem and expressed gratitude for his participation in the annual sporting event and the support he provides to Lebanon in motor racing. Aoun emphasized the importance of sports, particularly motor racing, as a bridge connecting Lebanon with the world. He highlighted the FIA's role in promoting road safety and developing motorsports.
President Aoun stated that the organization of the Rally of Lebanon and Ben Sulayem's presence highlight Lebanon's openness to international sporting institutions. It strengthens Lebanon's presence on the global stage and presents it as a potential destination for sporting and tourism events despite facing challenges. He added that this reflects the restoration of international confidence through cooperation with global sporting federations.
President Aoun also affirmed that sports have become an economic driver through organized championships and races, boosting tourism and investment while attracting international sponsors and major companies. He praised the cooperation between the FIA and the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL), which organizes the Rally of Lebanon and other sporting events.
At the end of the meeting, Ben Sulayem presented the FIA emblem to the President of the Republic as a token of appreciation.