Discussing the upcoming Lebanese Diaspora Energy
Conference, which will take place from May 4-6 in Lebanon, the president
said that the conference aims to “highlight the real image of Lebanon
as a land of convergence and dialogue, as well as a model for the world
of today and tomorrow.” He added that this especially applies for those of Lebanese origin abroad who “hold high positions.” Atallah
is one of several international political and business leaders of
Lebanese origin that will attend and take part at the conference Madagascar’s
Minister of Foreign Affairs told Aoun that her country’s President Hery
Rajaonarimampianina hopes to continue to strengthen ties between the
two countries.

In November 2015, Parliament approved a draft law
allowing foreigners of Lebanese descent to apply for citizenship. The
Free Patriotic Movement, headed by Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil, and
the Lebanese Forces were major proponents of the law. The two parties
arguably represent two of the biggest Christian constituencies.

Previous editions of the conference have taken place, most recently in Johannesburg, South Africa, in February.

Lebanon’s expat population significantly outnumbers the population residing within its borders.

Touring
the United States, Latin America and Africa, Bassil spoke to audiences
of Lebanese origin, urging them to claim their citizenship, register to
vote for the upcoming parliamentary elections and invest in Lebanon.

“Lebanon,
without its philosophy and culture, will go to the advantage of
refugees and terrorists,” the Foreign Minister said, addressing an
audience in Johannesburg.