“O Reassured Soul, Return to Your Lord, Well-Pleased and Accepted, Enter Among My (Righteous) Servants, and Enter My Paradise”
With hearts that believe in God's will and destiny, the Union of Arab Chambers mourns its honorary president, Adnan Al-Kassar, who has been a contemporary of the Union since its inception. He was one of the most prominent presidents to have passed through the Union, playing a pivotal role in its progress and renaissance, and exerting great efforts to elevate its status, contributing greatly and invaluably.
During his presidency of the Union of Arab Chambers, the late great leader contributed to the construction of the Union's General Secretariat building in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, at his own expense. The building was named after him, "Adnan Kassar Edifice for Arab Economy." He also worked to develop Arab and foreign relations, particularly with China, Russia, and other countries, to reach advanced and solid levels.
President Adnan Al-Kassar's journey, replete with achievements, contributions, and political, economic, social, national, and Arab stances, cannot be reduced to a passing phase. Rather, it is an approach that has been inherited by, and will be inherited by, future generations, due to its dedication, generosity, and humbleness.
The passing of President Adnan Al-Kassar represents not only a loss for his immediate family, but also for his extended family in Lebanon, the Arab world, and the world. His successes were not limited to a specific geographic area, but extended to all levels and stages, as he assumed the presidency of the Lebanese Economic Bodies, the Federation of Lebanese Chambers, the Union of Arab Chambers, the International Chamber of Commerce, the Mediterranean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ESCAME), and other local, Arab, regional, and international positions and posts.
President Al-Kassar is a prominent figure who has left a significant mark in both the public and private sectors, having held senior ministerial and economic positions over decades. Born in Beirut in 1930, he earned a law degree from Saint Joseph University. He is known as a pillar of the Lebanese and Arab private sector and is one of the founders of the “Fransabank Group”.
In the political arena, he served as Minister of Economy and Trade in the government of Prime Minister Omar Karami in 2004, and later as Minister of State in the government of Prime Minister Najib Mikati in 2011. Prime Minister Kassar is known for his role in strengthening Arab and international economic relations, and throughout his career, he has met with most of the world's presidents, kings, heads of state, and heads of government. He carried with him in all these meetings a fundamental concern: strengthening economic relations and pushing for the progress, renaissance, and prosperity of his country, Lebanon, and the Arab world.
He also participated in numerous regional and international economic forums and received numerous medals and honors from Arab and Western countries.
In short, President Al-Kassar's career cannot be summed up in a few lines. It is not limited to economic and political work, but extends to social and charitable work, as he contributed to the establishment of numerous social, cultural, religious, and development institutions, which helped in the building and advancement of people and societies.
Once again, we offer our sincere condolences to his family and the Lebanese presidency, government, and people. We pray to God Almighty to bestow His vast mercy and forgiveness upon him, to admit him into the highest paradise, and to inspire his family and loved ones with patience and solace.
To Allah We Belong and To Him We Shall Return
