Marwan al-Nafie, Chairman and Director-General of the Port of Beirut, on Wednesday received the Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Frank Mollen, during a meeting that underscored the continuity of this vital Lebanese facility at the heart of the international maritime map.
The meeting included discussions on ways to enhance cooperation between the Port of Beirut and the Dutch Port of Rotterdam, considered Europe’s leading commercial gateway. Al-Nafie also received an invitation to visit the Port of Rotterdam in order to review the latest global operational systems and logistics.
Ambassador Mollen affirmed that the Netherlands, drawing on its historic expertise, views the Port of Beirut as a cornerstone of economic stability and a port partner in the eastern Mediterranean.
Al-Nafie then received the Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon, Murat Lutem, during which an invitation was extended to visit the Port of Mersin to review Turkish expertise in port management in a way that serves the interests of both vital facilities.
In a symbolic gesture, the visit included an inspection tour of the historic lighthouse inside the port, which was built during the Ottoman era in 1890. The two sides reviewed the historical value of this landmark, which remains a witness to the port’s long-standing heritage and its historic maritime role.
For his part, Ambassador Lutem stressed the economic centrality of the Port of Beirut, describing it as the "main artery" for the stability of Lebanon and the region. He also expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts to revive the port and strengthen its competitive capabilities on the international trade map.
