International Tourism Day

IMG_4348Upon the invitation of His Excellency Syrian Minister of Tourism Dr. Bashr Yaziji, His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II attended the celebrations held on the occasion of the International Tourism Day “I belong to Syria, I belong to the Future”, at the National Opera House in Damascus.

The celebrations started with the signing of mutual agreements in tourism between the ministry of tourism and the private sector. His Excellency Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmad Badreddine Hassoun, Minister of Administrative Development Dr. Hassan Al-Nouri, and Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Rima Al-Qadri attended and participated in this event as well as many dignitaries and representatives of religious and political leaders.

His Eminence Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Patriarchal Secretary, His Grace Mor Maurice Amsih, Director of Public Relations and Protocol, His Grace Mor George Kourieh, Dean of Mor Aphrem Theological Seminary in Maarat Saydnaya, and Very Rev. Raban Joseph Bali, Patriarchal Secretary and Media Office Director accompanied His Holiness.

In his speech, His Holiness confirmed that this event witnesses to the world that Syria values tourism despite the difficulties that it is going through. The Syrian people is a living people despite the war against them by many international powers. His Holiness also described the many unique features of the Syrian nature and countryside, highlighting the fact that the most important asset is the Syrian citizen who makes history and civilization. His Holiness added that he is happy to be part of this campaign by the Ministry of Tourism.

Many civil servants from the private sector were honored on this occasion.

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