Russia will soon discuss with the Lebanese side participation in the reconstruction of Beirut's port and other strategic facilities affected by the August 4 explosion, Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov told RIA Novosti.
"In the near future we plan to discuss with Lebanese partners the issues of Russian participation in the restoration of Beirut port and other promising infrastructure projects," Rudakov said.
The Ambassador recalled that Russia was one of the first to assist Lebanon after the terrible explosion in Beirut's sea harbor. Russian rescuers and medics immediately arrived in the Lebanese capital, where an aero-mobile hospital was deployed, a mobile coronavirus testing station. Emergency Ministry personnel worked around the clock at the scene in the hope of rescuing survivors.
"Implementation of agreements involving Russian companies NOVOTEK and Rosneft continues in Lebanon. We attach great importance, as soon as the situation allows, to activate the work of the intergovernmental commission and the Russian-Lebanese Business Council," Rudakov added.
A powerful explosion occurred in the port of Beirut on August 4, 2020. Hundreds of houses and cars were destroyed or damaged, windows were broken in many districts of the Lebanese capital, some buildings were completely destroyed, and the capital's electricity and water supply systems were badly damaged. According to the authorities, it was caused by the detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate confiscated by the customs services in 2014 and stored in a warehouse. 190 people were killed and more than 6,000 were injured. Lebanon's capital was declared a disaster area and a state of emergency was declared in the city until September 19. After that anti-government rallies were held in the city, following which Lebanese Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced the resignation of his entire government.
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Based on materials from RIA Novosti