Zahle:Social Affairs Minister Hanine Sayyed visited Zahle to address growing social and economic challenges in the Bekaa region and to enhance cooperation with local institutions.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Sayyed began her visit at Azhar al-Bekaa, meeting with Grand Mufti of Zahle and the Bekaa Sheikh Ali al-Ghazawi to discuss the difficult living conditions of residents and the need for cooperation between public institutions and social organizations.

Later, Sayyed, accompanied by MP George Okais, visited the Zahle and Bekaa Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture to meet with board members about employment opportunities, youth training, and potential joint initiatives. She highlighted her ministry's economic inclusion programme and stressed the importance of public-private partnerships.

Sayyed also addressed Syrian labour issues, indicating that these would be further discussed during a forthcoming visit to Syria by an official Lebanese delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri. Chamber representatives called for expanding cooperation to link vocational training with employment opportunities.

At Our Lady of Deliverance Archbishopric, Sayyed met with Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop of Zahle and the Bekaa Ibrahim Ibrahim. They discussed the needs of vulnerable families and cooperation between the state, religious institutions, and humanitarian organizations. The minister noted the worsening social situation and the need for increased ministry funding, proposing a direct coordination channel between the ministry and the archbishopric.

The visit concluded at Zahle's municipal palace with a roundtable discussion with MPs, municipal officials, and civil society representatives, addressing social protection and local development priorities. Zahle Mayor Salim Ghazaleh presented a cooperation proposal to improve access to social services and expand empowerment programs.