The Regie’s chairman and general manager, Eng. Nassif Seklaoui, honored the general manager of Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Lebanon, Mohamad Jaber, at the Regie’s headquarters in Hadat on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by Regie Board Members Dr. Issam Salman, Dr. Mazen Abboud and Eng. Imad Bissat. Also present were Government Commissioner to the Regie Mirna Baz, Financial Auditor Carol Youssef, several Regie directors and department heads, and a number of JTI officials in Lebanon.
During the ceremony, Seklaoui presented Jaber with a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative shield from the Regie.
Seklaoui said that honoring JTI was “not a mere courtesy, but an acknowledgment of its representatives’ valuable contributions and positive impact on the Regie.”
He explained that this gesture recognized Jaber’s “exemplary professional leadership, marked by wisdom and openness, which helped forge strong institutional ties between the Regie and JTI.”
Honoring JTI reflects “the Regie’s belief that genuine partnerships are built on shared interests,” he added. “Jaber embraced this principle, making the success of the relationship between the two institutions a key priority.”
Seklaoui said the initiative showed the Regie’s “appreciation for Jaber’s role in fostering a culture of dialogue, trust and mutual respect, and in promoting smooth and effective cooperation that serves the interests of both parties.”
He stressed that the ceremony aimed “to recognize Jaber’s active contribution to socially oriented initiatives and his belief that institutions are responsible not only for fulfilling their economic mission but also for supporting tobacco farmers.”
Seklaoui thanked “the entire JTI team, whose efforts have been instrumental in building this special relationship.”
For his part, Jaber expressed his deep appreciation for “the well-established and fruitful partnership” between the Regie and JTI.
Addressing Seklaoui, he said: “We thank you for your unwavering support and wise leadership, and for the dedication you and your team have demonstrated throughout our journey together.”
“Your exceptional professionalism, collaborative spirit and continued commitment have been crucial in helping us seize opportunities and overcome challenges,” he added.
“The past few years have not been easy,” he continued. “Our country and business environment have faced complex circumstances marked by difficulties, uncertainty and successive obstacles. Yet at every stage, the Regie’s management demonstrated sound judgment, resilience and the ability to make the right decisions, even under the most challenging circumstances. These decisions allowed us to sustain our progress, strengthen our partnership and lay solid foundations for sustainable success.”
“What makes this partnership special is not only what we have achieved together, but also the mutual trust, respect and shared values that have guided us at every stage of our journey,” Jaber said.
“The Regie team’s hard work, dedication and continued support have made a tangible difference, and we are proud to work with such a distinguished group of talented and committed professionals.”
“We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and building on the solid foundation we have established together.
Thank you once again for your trust, support and wise leadership, which have been a source of confidence and inspiration even during the most difficult times,” he concluded.