04 November 2013 – Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz paid a second courtesy call on Lebanese Minister of Agriculture Dr. Hussein Al Hajj Hassan on October 30 to update him on developments in the bilateral relationship and to further explore the prospects for cooperation in the area of agricultural trade. The Minister’s adviser, Dr. Salah Hajj Hassan, was also present.

Ambassador Ruiz informed Minister Hassan that she is very happy to see Philippine pineapple already being sold in the Lebanese supermarkets and fruit stands. She noted that another popular fruit that could be exported to Lebanon is the Philippine mango, as well as other tropical fruits such as papaya, avocado and mangosteen. In reply, Minister Hassan assured Ambassador Ruiz that Lebanon welcomes the opportunity to further develop and expand exchanges of agricultural products with the Philippines and looks forward to more interaction with the Philippine Embassy in Beirut in this regard. END