It is indeed an honour to be here with you today on my first visit to Lebanon. The excellent and warm hospitality that I have witnessed since my arrival is only paralleled by the dynamism I have seen in all aspects of daily life and the numerous achievements in urban renewal, housing construction and local economic development. The reconstruction of Beirut and of Lebanon, in such a short period of time, is nothing short of impressive. Like a Phoenix from the ashes, it demonstrates that where there is a will there is a way.