Montreal:Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Minister Youssef Rajji spoke to members of the Lebanese community in Montreal at a gathering hosted by Consul General Charbel Nemr. The event was attended by Lebanese Ambassador to Canada Bachir Tawk, Lebanese-Canadian MP Faycal El-Khoury, and Consular Corps Dean Helga Katalin Britz, along with Consuls General from various countries and other diplomatic and community leaders.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Rajji expressed his gratitude to Canada for welcoming the Lebanese community and providing them with opportunities. He highlighted the praise from Canadian officials for the community's contributions to the country's prosperity, noting the challenging circumstances under which many Lebanese arrived in Canada.

Rajji addressed the historical challenges faced by Lebanese expatriates, who left their homeland to escape occupation, only to encounter the rise of militias and illegal weapons. He emphasized Lebanon's commitment to not returning to the past, asserting that only the Lebanese Armed Forces should wield weapons, and diplomacy should remain independent and Lebanese-led.

He further stated that Lebanon would not bear the burden of regional ambitions or allow itself to be dragged into conflicts by external parties. He stressed the government's resolve to bring all weapons under legitimate state control and eliminate unauthorized military activities, aiming to free Lebanese territory and citizens from illegal arms.

Rajji highlighted plans for economic and cultural revival, noting the necessity for strategic decisions to be state-controlled. He discussed resuming direct flights between Lebanon and Canada and announced upcoming biometric passport services for the Lebanese community in Canada.