9 December 2014. On Tuesday evening, His Holiness Aram I attended a special event organized by the Lebanese Embassy, where he met members of the Lebanese community in the UAE.

After Ambassador Saad’s introduction, His Holiness addressed the guests. He first thanked the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his leadership, characterized by moderation, openness and respect. The Catholicos then invited the Lebanese to protect the unique identity of Lebanon, which is based on the principles of co-existence and democratic values of freedom of conscience and respect for liberty. His Holiness noted that Lebanon has traditionally been a bridge between the East and the West and has contributed its culture and economic and financial systems to the world at large. Although Lebanon is a small country, he said, “its potential transcends its geographical boundaries.”

The Catholicos ended his address by asking the Lebanese to strengthen the internal unity of their country and preserve its neutrality, and he called upon them to rise above all political differences and work together to determine the future of their country.