| The Australian Embassy, Beirut, was initially opened in
1967. It was the third Australian Embassy to be opened in the Middle East.
It was closed in 1984 because of the deteriorating security situation in
Beirut. During the subsequent 11 years, Australian relations with Lebanon,
including visa services, were handled by the Australian Embassy in Damascus,
with the Ambassador in Damascus accredited to both Syria and Lebanon. In
1994, a temporary Australian Government Office, staffed by locally-engaged
officials, was established in the Mayflower Hotel in West Beirut.The Embassy
was formally re-opened on 18 July 1995, by the then-Minister for Foreign
Affairs and Trade, Senator Gareth Evans QC, and the then-Minister for Immigration
and Ethnic Affairs, Senator Nick Bolkus. The site chosen for the Chancery
was the same building that had been evacuated in 1984.
The Embassy currently has a staff of 4 Australia-based DFAT officers,
5 Australia-based DIMA officers, and 26 locally-recruited personnel. In
addition, The Austrade office, which is co-located with the Embassy in
the Farra Building, has two Lebanese staff members.
The Embassy’s most important priorities are the following:
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To promote and expand Australian trade and economic interests in Lebanon.
Bilateral trade, although currently estimated at A$21 million per annum
(A$17 million of which are Australian exports), has grown by 125 per cent
over the past two years, and has the potential to increase significantly
as Lebanon’s US$18 billion reconstruction program proceed.
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Specifically, in conjunction with Austrade, to provide market entry information
for Australian companies, and to support and facilitate bilateral business
contacts.
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To promote key Australian policy goals in Lebanon, including through Lebanese
support for Australian candidatures, and better understanding of Australia's
regional and international policies at a high level in Lebanese government.
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To provide a high level of visa services for migrants and visitors.
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To ensure the Government of Australia is provided with accurate, timely
reporting and analysis of political and economic developments in Lebanon.
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To provide a high level of consular services for visiting and resident
Australians.
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To project an image of Australia in Lebanon that supports our foreign and
trade policy objectives, including through public diplomacy and cultural
activities.
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To use development cooperation funds to meet humanitarian, foreign and
trade policy goals.
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