The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Beirut celebrated the annual Defender of the Fatherland Day, observed on February 23, during an official ceremony held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Beirut. The event also commemorated the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in the Second World War.
The ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of Russian Ambassador Alexander Rudakov and the Embassy’s Military Attaché, Yuri Anatolyevich Benkov. It was attended by Lebanese ministers, members of Parliament, representatives of the Presidency, Parliament and Government, security and military officials, diplomats, judges, media professionals, cultural figures, business representatives, and friends of the Russian Embassy and the Lebanese-Russian Cooperation Office.
The celebration began with the Lebanese and Russian national anthems, followed by a recorded address from Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating Russian citizens, particularly members of the Russian Armed Forces, on Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Military Attaché Yuri Benkov delivered a speech emphasizing the national importance of the occasion and its connection to the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. He paid tribute to war veterans and highlighted the role of the Russian Armed Forces in defending the country’s independence, dignity, and future.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Alexander Rudakov, on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, presented the Order of Honor to Mohamed Nassereldine, President of the Lebanese-Russian Cooperation Office. The Ambassador praised Nassereldine’s long-standing efforts to serve Lebanon and Russia and to strengthen cooperation between the two countries and their peoples.
Ambassador Rudakov also reaffirmed Russia’s support for Lebanon and its commitment to strengthening cooperation between Beirut and Moscow.
In his address, Mohamed Nassereldine expressed his gratitude to President Putin and Ambassador Rudakov. He described the award as a great honor and an additional responsibility toward Lebanon, his first homeland, and Russia, his second homeland. He also saluted both the Russian and Lebanese armies as defenders of their respective nations and expressed hope for peace, security, prosperity, and stability for the peoples of both countries.
The event concluded with Minister Michel Menassa, Ambassador Rudakov, Mohamed Nassereldine, and Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud cutting a large commemorative cake decorated with the Lebanese and Russian flags, followed by a reception for the attendees.