Under the patronage of Caretaker Information Minister Ziad Makary, the Information Ministry revived the Lebanese National Press Day in an organized event held yesterday in coordination with the Mirador Resort at the foot of the Mirador Mountain - Terbol in the Zgharta district of North Lebanon, which included planting of trees in the name of media professionals on a hill overlooking the areas of the northern governorates on one side and Akkar on the other.

The day began in the morning with a gathering of media professionals who took part in the event, as they shared conversations and experiences over brunch and coffee, allowing for acquaintances between different media groups that came from all over Lebanon to participate in this special day.

Media journalists and professionals then headed to the designated site to plant their trees bearing their names.

After that, a luncheon banquet was held in their honor, attended by Minister Makary, MPs Tony Frangieh, Jamil Abboud, Ihab Matar, and Ahmed Al-Khair, and representative of the League of Arab States in Lebanon Youssef Al-Sabawi, alongside both Press and Editors' Syndicates Deans Aouni Al-Kaaki and Joseph Al-Kosseifi, in addition to several prominent figures from the region and a crowd of representatives of Lebanese and foreign media outlets operating in Lebanon.

In a brief speech marking the occasion, Information Minister Makary said: "Today we announce our deep roots in this land and we engrave on the rock our life testimony that we are citizens belonging to one homeland... The magnificence of this place is that it brings together the northern districts of Akkar, through Zgharta, Dennieh and Minnieh, all the way to the beloved city of Tripoli."

He continued: "The greatness of the press is that we will breathe the air of freedom in the future, after you planted trees bearing your names to be a testimony of truth and life, and the invitation is open to all so that this forest can expand to all press pens in the future."

Makary also welcomed the participation of the League of Arab States in the event, referring to "the depth of the embrace of the Arab brotherhood" which he felt during his participation in the meeting of Arab Ministers of Information in Cairo. He said: "Organizing the National Day of the Lebanese Press is nothing but a prelude to organizing the activities of 'Beirut, the Capital of Arab Media 2023', as we will make sure to organize events worthy of Lebanon and its ancient history of journalism."

"I am deeply elated and pleased to inaugurate this unique media landmark in the North today, and there are more innovative ideas that we will strive to implement during the Beirut 2023 events,” Makary maintained, thanking all those who contributed to the success of this event. 

"As long as one concern unites us, we will strive to achieve the supreme goal, which is manifested in sincere national belonging," the Information Minister underscored.

"Finally, I appeal to everyone with a call for hope and effort to overcome the challenging conditions. Let us renew hope in a country that chose us and wanted it as a safe home for our children. Let us work with the an authentic patriotic sense, and meet, gather and deliberate, because it is the only way to overcome crises," Makary concluded.