Beirut Celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee

In celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the British Embassy in Beirut held a reception at Zaitunay Bay, attended by Vice Prime Minister Samir Mokbel representing Lebanese President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and MP Yassine Jaber representing Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, the British Embassy in Beirut said in a press release.

The reception was also attended by current and former MP’s, Ministers, Arab and foreign Ambassadors, Businessmen, media officials, members of the British Community, NGO representatives and others.

Tania Kassis, classical crossover singer performed the Lebanese and British national anthems.

Addressing his guests British Ambassador Tom Fletcher said in a speech, "In the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics ... we're here to tell you that we're ready for a new partnership with Lebanon, of pride, purpose and passion

“We're here to show you our solidarity for the good times; and for the tough times. We're here to launch a Great partnership between Great Britain and Great Lebanon. Between the United Kingdom and a United Lebanon".

The reception also hosted an exhibition of GREAT pictures showcasing the UK as a country of heritage, culture, sport, and innovation. There was also a specially-commissioned display by fifty 2012 Olympic Fine Artists from across the world, whose designs inspired by the UK’s Union Flag were displayed at the event, the embassy’s press release added.

From Argentina to Vietnam, 50 artists from more than 30 countries produced an array of spectacular and contrasting images, all based on our iconic red, white and blue flag, especially for the occasion. The flags will be moving to the Phoenicia hotel for display during GREAT British Week and the Olympics.

This is one of several celebrations that the British Embassy is holding this year, when the eyes of the world will be turning to the UK.

From the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, to the GREAT British Week in Beirut (launched on Tuesday 12 June by the Ambassador at ABC Mall). The GREAT campaign in Lebanon will show that GREAT Britain and Lebanon are modern, dynamic and creative nations – open for business, open to tourism and open to those seeking a world class education.