Guterres will visit the Beirut Port to pay tribute to the victims of the explosion that caused at least 218 deaths, 7,000 injuries, and US$15 billion in property damage.

Guterres will meet senior Lebanese officials and reaffirm UN support for the cash-strapped country.

“Elections next year will be key to a better future for Lebanon, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Friday ahead of an official visit to the country later this weekend,” Guterres said ahead of an official visit to the country.

“I am coming to Lebanon with one simple message: the United Nations stands with the people of Lebanon,” Guterres noted.

The Secretary-General’s visit takes place at a time of crisis for Lebanon, which continues to reel from the impact of numerous challenges, including political upheaval, a crippled economy, and the devastating August 2020 explosion at the port in the capital, Beirut. (ILKHA)