On the last day of their contacts in Lebanon, Erdoğan and the accompanying Turkish delegation met with Akkar Mufti Muhammed Bekkar Zekeriyya in the Halba town in the Akkar region in the morning.
Erdoğan and his entourage then went to the villages of Kavashra and Aydamun, where Lebanese Turkmens live.
In Kavashra, the Turkish delegation was welcomed with enthusiasm by Turkmens carrying Turkish flags and roses in their hands. Fireworks were set off at the special welcoming ceremony held for the delegation.
Erdoğan's visit to the region was attended by Türkiye's Beirut Ambassador Murat Lütem, Yunus Emre Institute President Prof. Dr. Selim Argun, TIKA Beirut Coordinator Salih Burak Yurdakul, TIKA Beirut Deputy Coordinator Serap Nayir and Sadakataşı Association Chairman Kemal Özdal were also accompanied.
Making a statement after his meeting with Kavashra Mayor Muhammed Abdullah, Erdoğan said that he hoped that the future of Lebanon and its people would be brighter and that the conditions in the country would improve with the new government.
Erdoğan said, "We feel very close to the people here who love our country and our President. We want to reciprocate their love. We love them too." he said.
Referring to the humanitarian aid delivered to the people of the town from Türkiye, Erdoğan said, "We are here with the love coming from Türkiye. This aid comes from Türkiye to our brothers in Kavashra to support them a little in their daily lives." he said.
Stating that many students can currently apply for "Türkiye Scholarships" and study in Türkiye regarding education, Erdoğan said:
"Turkey helps children here (Turkmen regions in Lebanon) continue to learn Turkish and not forget their native language. Apart from that, hopefully we can offer more education opportunities in the future. Maybe the Maarif Foundation will come to Tripoli. Who knows, hopefully. Thank you very much."
On the other hand, Sadakataşı Association delivered 4 trucks of humanitarian aid materials to Kavaşra Municipality. The aid packages included food, hygiene, clothing and warming materials.
Turkmens experienced great joy
Nimet Abbas, one of the Kavashra Turkmens, said in a statement to the AA correspondent that they were very happy about the visit to their village.
Abbas said, "Lebanon is our blood, Türkiye is our blood. We are very honored and happy for this visit." he said.
Kavaşralı Hüsameddin also pointed out Türkiye's support and said, "I cannot express my feelings about this visit. My heart is bursting (with joy)." he said.
Lin, one of the children who came to welcome him, said, "Welcome to our village, Mr. Bilal Erdoğan. We are very happy to see you among us." he expressed his joy.
Erdoğan and the accompanying Turkish delegation went to Aydamun village after Kavaşra. Erdogan, who was welcomed here with enthusiasm, later met with Turkmens at the town hall.
Speaking here, Bilal Erdoğan said, "I am here today to bring you the greetings and affection of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan." he said.
Stating that Türkiye is working to guarantee peace, stability and tranquility in its surroundings, Erdoğan said, "The developments in Syria make us hopeful for a prosperous and strong Syria again. Hopefully, these developments also give us hope for the prosperous and bright future of Lebanon." he said.
Erdogan, who wishes the Lebanese economy to grow, emphasized that Türkiye stands by Lebanon and the Lebanese people.
Explaining that Kilayat Airport in the north of Lebanon will be opened soon, Erdogan said:
"Once this airport is opened, traveling to and from Türkiye will become easier. After the air connection, hopefully road and railway connections will come. The sea route will also become stronger. Thus, you will feel that you are much closer to Türkiye."
Stating that Turkish people should visit the Turkmen towns in Lebanon, Erdoğan said, "I came and saw how beautiful this place is and how kind-hearted the people here are. I hope to call out to Türkiye: Come and see this beautiful town, these beautiful lands, these beautiful people." he said.
Bilal Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Knowledge Dissemination Foundation, met with Lebanese Prime Minister Selam in Beirut.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nevvaf Selam, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Science Dissemination Foundation Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan and Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) President Prof. Dr. Selim accepted Argun.
Erdoğan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Knowledge Dissemination Foundation, and YEE President Argun met with Prime Minister Selam on the last day of their contacts in Lebanon. Türkiye's Ambassador to Beirut Murat Lütem also took part in the meeting.
According to the statement made by the Prime Minister's Office, during the meeting, Erdoğan informed Prime Minister Selam about the purposes of his visit to Lebanon and the contacts he made in various regions of the country. Bilal Erdoğan conveyed the greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
During the meeting, ways to improve cooperation in the fields of education, culture and academia, as well as the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, were discussed.
