During a sumptuous evening on the terrace of the «La Martingale» restaurant, the Casino du Liban hosted the organizers and participants of the Mon Liban d’Azur initiative, which aims to encourage cultural, artistic, social, academic and commercial exchanges between the French Riviera and Beirut.
The evening gathered French-speaking political and social figures. Environment Minister Fady Jreissati representing President Michel Aoun, Lynn Tehini representing the Minister of Culture Mohamed Daoud, MP Henri Hélou and an elite of French chefs. Among them French chef Christian Plumail Michelin star, pastry chef Serge Serain Cappa, and other prestigious names in the restaurant industry, as well as Lebanese and foreign media representatives.
Casino du Liban supportive of Mon Liban d’Azur
After the national anthem of both countries, the Marketing Director of Casino du Liban, Lara Khoury Hafez, gave a speech, first expressing her condolences following the death of Lebanon’s friend, former French President Jacques Chirac, who always worked to consolidate relations between the two countries. She continued: «As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Casino du Liban, this multi-faceted tourist institution, and one of the most notorious casinos in the world, we want to renew our loyalty to this place and its cultural heritage».
«The Casino du Liban did not hesitate to present its full support for the initiative Mon Liban d’Azur, being a pioneer in this field for more than 50 years. In 1962, Mr. Victor Moussa, founder and chairman of the Casino’s Board of Directors at the time, visited Cannes in order to establish a tourist bridge between the French and Lebanese Riviera. This is why we are committed, through this initiative, to build a bridge and cross from both sides of the Mediterranean,» she said.
Mon Liban d’Azur connects the two shores of the Mediterranean
For her part, the president of Mon Liban d’Azur Géraldine Ghostine thanked all those who contributed to the success of this initiative. «We are gathered tonight in the famous bay of Jounieh, which looks like the Bay of Angels of the Côte d’Azur. It is an honor and a real pleasure for me to welcome you and to thank you for responding to our invitation to this opening night,» she said.
She added: «Our goal is to stimulate economic, social, cultural, tourist and academic exchanges between the two shores of the Mediterranean. These exchanges between Lebanon and France date back to the time of the manufacture of silk threads in Mount Lebanon which passed through the city of Lyon. A testimony of the solidity of relations between the two countries», while wishing «that this line that connects the two shores of the Mediterranean keeps its brilliance through your support for this association.»
In her address, the Senator of the Alpes Maritimes, Mrs. Dominique Estrosi Sassone, emphasized the friendship that connects Lebanon and France. She evoked the diversity, hospitality, and generosity of the Lebanese people, in accordance with the European taste.
Beirut and Nice Twin cities
Mon Liban d’Azur initiative, which is a twinning between the cities of Beirut and Nice, aims to stimulate serious efforts to activate projects between the two regions, which share a common culture and points of great similarity. The geographical position on the Mediterranean, the proximity of the mountains and the sea, the art of cooking and viticulture, the maritime corniche, the Casino du Liban and the Casino of Monte Carlo. Not to forget the academic partnerships between the universities, besides the hospitality and the generosity that characterizes the Lebanese and the peoples of the South of France.
This initiative will continue next year by welcoming a group of Lebanese to the French Riviera.
