Kuwait finances rehabilitation of Lebanese museum

Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) signed here on Monday a contract to rehabilitate Sidon museum. The contract was signed in presence of KFAED representative Eng. Nawaf Al-Dabbous, President of the Lebanese Council for Development and Reconstruction (ODR) Eng. Nabeel Al-Jisr, former prime minister of Lebanon Fuad Siniora and Kuwait Ambassador to Lebanon Abdulaal Al-Qena'ie as well as dozens of officials. Addressing the audience, Sinora lauded "Kuwait's limitless contributions" to the development and reconstruction projects in Lebanon. He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the government and the people of Kuwait for their role in revitalizing the Lebanese economy. "The State of Kuwait and other Arabian Gulf countries are keen for supporting the socio-economic development projects in all Arab countries," he affirmed. Meanwhile, Al-Jisr said Kuwait is always very responsive to Lebanon's needs in the area of development and reconstruction. "KFAED contributes robustly to the financing for key projects in Lebanon in such areas as economic development and rehabilitation of infrastructure," he said in a statement to KUNA. Lebanon's road networks and power grids had been hard hit by the repeated Israeli aggressions but thanks to Kuwait's support Lebanon was able to recover, he added. On his part, Al-Dabbous highlighted the significance of the rehabilitation of the museum, saying this project aims to preserve "the rich cultural heritage of Sidon." "The project will also help the city resume its role in economic development through promotion of the tourist and cultural activities and creation of jobs for local residents," he pointed out. The project aims to build a new two-story building over an area of 1,600 sq. m. to house the relics of the museum and rehabilitate the corridors of the site to suit the convenience of visitors. Al-Dabbous added that the project will put life into this ancient city and help it to become a main tourist attraction in the Middle East region. The museum houses relics that date from the Roman, Byzantine, Iron and Hellenistic eras; some of them are 6,000 years old. KFAED offered 20 loans to Lebanon amounting in value to USD 612 million in addition to grants of up to USD 420 million; these funds were channeled to projects in the health, educational, agricultural and communication fields.