UN General Assembly
1957

An important aspect of this policy of friendship is our co-operation with the United States, whereby we receive technical, economic and military assistance which helps us develop and defend ourselves. (iv) Lebanon is primarily a trading country. We have sought and intend to keep on seeking markets for the development of our trade wherever we find them. We have recently developed trade relations with the countries of Eastern Europe in which many of our products have found new markets. We also have plans for internal economic development for which we invite foreign capital on good terms. (v) With respect to Israel, we see eye to eye with our sister Arab States. The rights of the Arabs in Palestine and the plight of the Arab refugees condition practically every situation and every development in the Near East. (vi) We think we have a profound understanding of the Western world. Since we are an integral part of the Arab world, this understanding charges us with great responsibility and opens before us a special opportunity.