During the meeting, held in Accra, Ambassador Kheir expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Ghana for their continuous support, cooperation, and hospitality extended to him and the Lebanese community throughout his service. 

He described his stay as a rewarding chapter in his diplomatic career, one that deepened the longstanding bonds between the two nations.

He highlighted the strong historical relationship between Ghana and Lebanon, underpinned by over a century of Lebanese presence in Ghana and Ghana’s active participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 1978. “These shared commitments to peace and international cooperation continue to define the friendship between our two countries,” he said.

Ambassador Kheir reflected on key achievements during his tenure, including the successful implementation of the Lebanese Scholarship Programme for Ghanaian students, cultural collaborations under the Francophonie framework, and memoranda of understanding with Ghana’s Ministries of Education and Tourism, Arts and Culture. 

He also pointed to the establishment of the Lebanon–Ghana Parliamentary Friendship Association and the strengthening of economic and cultural relations through the Chambers of Commerce and the Francophone Ambassadors’ Group.

As Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Chair of the Francophone Ambassadors’ Group, Ambassador Kheir said he was honoured to have represented both Lebanon and the wider diplomatic community in Ghana. He praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for maintaining open and constructive engagement with the diplomatic corps, which he described as instrumental in promoting mutual understanding and development.

The Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa commended Ambassador Kheir for his distinguished service and dedication to deepening Ghana–Lebanon relations. He lauded the Ambassador’s contributions to education, health, and cultural exchange, particularly his efforts in providing scholarships to Ghanaian students. “Your work has left a lasting legacy of cooperation and friendship between our peoples,” the Minister stated.

Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed the Government of Ghana’s commitment to further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two nations, noting that the collaboration between Ghana and Lebanon will continue to thrive on the foundations of mutual respect and shared goals.

Ambassador Kheir, in his closing remarks, expressed his affection and admiration for Ghana, describing it as a land of peace, coexistence, and democracy. “I am confident that the friendship between Lebanon and Ghana will continue to flourish in the years ahead,” he said, adding that he departs with cherished memories of Ghana’s warmth and hospitality.