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Former Brazilian President Michel Temer recounts humanitarian mission to Lebanon during ABCC webinar
Former Brazilian president Michel Temer described his recent trip to Beirut, Lebanon to increase humanitarian assistance to victims of the Port of Beirut explosion during the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce's (ABCC) 14th webinar session. The most advanced in a series of virtual meetings coordinated by the ABCC, and held following the theme Brazil-Lebanon: A Discussion about the Future.
The former Brazilian president led the philanthropic mission formed of a small neighbourhood of governments and private sector delegates from the Lebanese-Brazilian society that attempted to supply relief to Lebanon. Throughout the visit, Temer and his group were able to save around six tons worth of contributions and were obtained from contributions coming from different organizations affiliated with the Arab and Lebanese communities in Brazil.
Over 200 probably killed in the blast, in addition to thousands of people left destitute. And they are in desperate need of help from the world. Humanitarian aid is key, and that besides food and pharmaceuticals, material such as glass and wood is required, as most of the buildings enclosing the Port of Beirut have been destroyed said Temer.
H.E. Joseph Sayah, Lebanese Ambassador to Brazil, gave his thanks and appreciation for groups that are operating to supply relief to Lebanon. He added: The appearance of former president Temer, a son to Lebanese parents, at the Port of Beirut sent to the Lebanese people the powerful message that they are not alone, that they have family and siblings in Brazil who share their pain and grief. It was about sentimental and passionate outreach. It was a show of care from the Lebanese-Brazilian community towards their siblings on the other side of the world.
Rubens Hannun, President, ABCC, spoke about the importance of the work of the Brazil-Arab countries Parliamentary Group and said that over half of Brazils senators and multiple federal deputies are members, which proves how much they appreciate Brazils relations with the Arab countries.
Other speakers that partake in the event included Brazil-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce president Alfredo Cotait Neto; Fambras Halal president Mohamed Zoghbi; Instituto Kanoun president Ricardo Maluf; Lebanese-Brazilian Medical Association president Robert Sami Nemer; and Brazil-Lebanon Chamber of Commerce secretary-general Guilherme Mattar. The discussion was led by ABCC secretary-general Tamer Mansour.