REPUBLIC OF SERBIA AND THE LEBANESE REPUBLIC

Home to ancient Phoenician sailors and merchants, Lebanon is a country which represents a true religious mosaic of the Middle East. Its name comes from the Aramaic word laban, which means white, as a reference to the mountain of Lebanon, whose slopes are always covered with snow. This is one of a few countries where tourists can stay on the beach and ski in the mountains on the same day.

Cedar woods are very important part of the cultural heritage of this country. Ancient peoples admired the tree`s impressive greatness, believed in his strength and magical power. The cedar tree is one of the most recognizable national symbols. It is even presented in the flag of Lebanon, between two red fields which symbolize the blood of the people shed for gaining independence.

The country was once known as the `Switzerland of the Middle East`, while its capital, Beirut, was popular as `Paris of the Middle East`. Since the 2006 war, the state has worked hard to rebuild its reputation, and tourism has revived recently.

Beirut and Byblos as tourist potentials

Development under various cultures, from the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire to France and the United States, is visible in the architecture of the largest cities. Magnificent buildings of various construction styles, from Venetian-Arabic style to modernism, are mixed with new skyscrapers. The legacy of the past wars is also visible.

Beirut is the capital and most populated city. It is also the largest port of Lebanon. The city is the commercial center of the region, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Education are based in Beirut.

Byblos is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was built by the Phoenicians who named it after the ship – Byblos, which transported paper. The city was also one of the first centers of literacy and commerce. Later in history it was made popular by jet set, and many businessmen, Hollywood actors, politicians and statesmen spent their time here. Today it is under the protection of UNESCO.

Bilateral relations between Lebanon and Serbia

On November 22, 1943, Lebanon declared independence, abolishing the mandate of France over this country imposed on July 1, 1920.

King Peter II and the President of the Lebanese Republic during World War II

Official diplomatic relations between Serbia and Lebanon were established in 1946, after the Second World War. Today, Serbia has an embassy in Beirut, and Lebanon has an embassy in Belgrade.

Bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and Serbia at the political level has been developed for many years and the two countries record no open issues. Lebanon was a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, an organization in which the former Yugoslavia was rather influential and of which Lebanon was a full member.

Lebanon has not recognized the independence of Kosovo and it voted against the admission of this self-proclaimed state to UNESCO in 2015. Mutual interest in improving cooperation, especially in the field of trade, transport, agriculture and other areas is expressed at diplomatic gatherings.

The number of tourists from Lebanon visiting Serbia has increased. According to the Air Serbia data, in 2017, about 27,000 Lebanese visited Serbia (minimum one-night stay), which is almost 10 times more than during 2016.

Cooperation between the Embassy of Lebanon in Belgrade and Dipos

The Embassy of the Lebanese Republic in Belgrade has been hosted since 2002 in the property managed by Dipos in the Diplomatic Colony in Dedinje.

Built more than fifty years ago, this complex today represents one of the most exclusive locations for life and work in Belgrade, an intimate unit of cosmopolitan spirit, and an oasis of peace and greenery.

H.E. Nada Al Akl, Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic to the Republic of Serbia and Mr. Djoko Krivokapic, Director of Property Management and Rental Company Dipos Belgrade

During the last visit of H.E. Nada Al Akl, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon in Belgrade, to the Property Management and Rental Company Dipos Belgrade in 2018, both sides expressed notable satisfaction with the established cooperation.