The Cultural Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon Dr. Sayed Mohammad Rida Mourtadawi
at the Head of a Delegation, on a Visit to the MECC Secretary General Professor Michel Abs
Words Emphasized the Importance of Preserving Human Dignity
You can find some photos at the end of the text.
The Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) Professor Michel Abs, received Dr. Sayed Mohammad Rida Mourtadawi, the Cultural Advisor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Lebanon, at the head of a delegation that included Dr. Ali Kassir, Head of Media Affairs, and Mr. Jawad Tabrizi, Director of the Advisory Office (Secretary). The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the MECC headquarters in Beirut.
MECC attendees were the Associate Secretary General Mrs. Seta Hadeshian, Coordinator of the "Dialogue, Social Cohesion, and Human Dignity" Programs, Professor Laure Abi Khalil, and Coordinator of Media and Church Relations Journalist Lea Adel Maamary.
Firstly, Dr. Sayed Mohammad Rida Mourtadawi offered his congratulations to Professor Michel Abs on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year, wishing him and the MECC Family continued success and progress for the good of the Church and society. He also addressed the topic of human fraternity and respect for others, emphasizing the necessity of preserving human dignity and upholding human rights, in addition to serving the most vulnerable people without discrimination, and fostering harmony among the various components of society.
For his part, Secretary General Professor Abs welcomed Dr. Sayed Mohammad Rida Mourtadawi and the visiting delegation, thanking them for their visit and wishing them continued success in their mission and work. He also spoke about the importance of facing hate speech and promoting dialogue, noting that dialogue is not a means but a goal. Professor Abs then highlighted the MECC work, particularly in the field of dialogue, through its various programs promoting social cohesion, human dignity, shared religious spaces, and media awareness.
Furthermore, discussions focused on ways to reactivate and strengthen relations between both sides through a future memorandum of understanding as a framework for joint activities. Emphasis was also placed on the necessity of fostering interfaith dialogue aimed at discovering shared values and mutual understanding to promote and solidify the spirit of citizenship and full partnership within the nation and humanity. This is in addition to joint efforts in serving humanity and society in a neutral manner, striving to achieve justice and defend human rights to enable people to live in freedom, peace, and equality.
