The Countess of Wessex has been on an official visit to Lebanon, at the request of the foreign and commonwealth office. This is the first visit to Lebanon by a member of the British royal family. This is therefore a very significant visit, and I think the Countess is the perfect royal for the job. Sophie has a natural empathy with others, is excellent at communicating with those around her, and presents herself both professionally, regaly, but without haughtiness. Sophie has proved she can cope with politically challenging situations and has recently taken on more solo international visits, such as her recent trip to India. Both this visit to Lebanon and her trip to India have had specific purposes and the Countess has shown she can focus her energy and time on these purposes to really embody them. She makes those she visits feel special, and also understands the importance and severity of representing the Queen. All this is done with her signature stylish elegance, authority, and smile.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, a member of the House of Lords, who serves as the Prime Minister's special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict, joined the Countess for the trip. Again, this shows how significant this trip has been and the trust placed in Sophie. Lord Ahmad said on Twitter the "historic" visit "reflects the importance of the UK's partnership with Lebanon, as well as recognising Lebanon's role in hosting the very significant number of Syrian refugees displaced to Lebanon."
The Countess began her visit in the Bekaa Valley, at a tented settlement. She met a Syrian refugee family being helped by the UK's support of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP). Sophie found out how they are bring helped by UK and Lebanese efforts, and their circumstances. The Countess then met Rev Nadim Nassar, who founded the Awareness Foundation and it's, "Ambassadors for Peace," to help Syrian young people build bridges, among their diverse communities, of respect and understanding. Sophie is Patron of the charity. Later she thanked the British Embassy in Beirut for all their work in the region, and saw a memorial olive tree planted in loving memory of a former member of staff at the British Embassy, Rebecca Dykes. The Countess took part in a cake sale to raise money for The Rebecca Dykes Foundation. As part of her commitment to support the UK's role in the peace security of women as part of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, the Countess joined a roundtable discussion. Syrian women refugees and NGO's shared their insights and discussed how barriers can be overcome. They want to make women's voices heard and promote their role in decision making.
The British Ambassador to Lebanon, Chris Rampling, praised the Countess' visit, saying on twitter, "Very honored today to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex on the first official [royal visit]...A busy few days ahead showcasing the work UK is doing with women in #Lebanon, and our strong bilateral relationship."
On the second day of her visit, the Countess went to Caritas shelter for victims of sexual and gender-based violence. It is also a shelter for refugee children, young people, and women. It offers temporary housing and accommodation as well as medical assistance, counselling and legal advice. The Countess met the president of Lebanon, General Michael Aoun, the Prime Minister Mr Saad Hariri, and the speaker of the Lebanese parliament Mr Nabih Berri.
That evening, the Countess gave a speech at the Birthday Party held in honour of the Queen, sharing a message from the Queen. It said, "Prince Philip and I send our warmest good wishes to the people of Lebanon, and to all those attending this evening’s reception. The United Kingdom recognises Lebanon as a symbol of diversity, tolerance and resilience, and I hope that the strong bond of friendship between our two countries will continue for many years, ELIZABETH R.” The evening reception took place in the National Library, and she viewed an art exhibition and items of archaeological importance.
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