NNA - Caretaker Minister of Education, Dr. Abbas Al-Halabi, on Wednesday welcomed Ambassador of Finland to Lebanon, Anne Meskanen, with whom he discussed bilateral ties, with special focus on the country’s educational situation. 

The minister welcomed the ambassador, noting that she "represents a country that is highly appreciated in the world for its efforts for peace.”

Al-Halabi then briefed the Finnish diplomat on "the limited support and efforts available to motivate teachers to carry out their tasks, especially in light of the rapidly declining value of the Lebanese treasury allocations for the educational sector.” 

He stressed "the need for more financial support in order for schools to resume their activities.” He also expressed hope that "a cabinet session will be held and will succeed in securing teachers’ demands to avoid a waste of an entire academic year." 

As for the Finnish Ambassador, she expressed her country's interest in Lebanon, especially its stability and steadfastness in the face of the prevailing crises.

She stressed that public education is essential in building the country's future, and that Finland cares a lot about the quality of education.

The Finnish diplomat then pointed out that her country was helping Lebanon through UNICEF, caring for the Lebanese and the displaced, and supporting marginalized groups.

Minister Al-Halabi separately received Belgian Ambassador to Lebanon, Koen Vervaeke, who highlighted the importance of the educational sector in Lebanon.

He then affirmed "Belgium's and the European Union's support for education in Lebanon," pointing to the existence of cooperation agreements between Lebanese and Belgian universities. 

For his part, Minister Al-Halabi briefed the Ambassador on the country’s educational crises and on his relentless attempts to save public schools and education in Lebanon. 

===========R.H.