(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil called on the support of the Lebanese diaspora on Sunday, saying when it comes to elections or the economy, Lebanese expatriates should help.
“Elections in Lebanon can’t happen without the participation of expats,” Bassil said during a conference held in the Rotana Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Bassil called for granting Lebanese citizenship to second generation expatriates and launching electronic voting options for Lebanese living abroad.
The foreign minister says opening these opportunities for Lebanese communities would make them more likely to invest in Lebanon’s economic sectors.
“Lebanese abroad can compensate for the failure of the government in building a strong state, and contribute to the revival of its economy,” he said.
Bassil also called on emigrants to market local products in their host countries, especially Lebanon’s apples and wine.
Bassil announced that he will host a conference for Lebanese immigrants on March 21, saying that the event seeks to build bridges between Lebanon’s residents and Lebanese living abroad.