Lekar sa genima novinara

Diplomatska misija / Diplomatic Mission - DR TOUFIC JABER
Ambasador Libana u Srbiji / Ambassador of Lebanon in Serbia

Njegova Ekselencija dr Toufic Jaber dočekao nas je u rezidenciji vidno raspoložen i spreman da sa čitaocima našeg magazina podeli bogatu životnu priču. U društvu supruge gdje Abeer Messelmani Jaber, uz tradicionalna libanska jela i savršeno belo vino, pričao je o istoriji, tradiciji koja je rezultat turbulentne prošlosti i sinergije brojnih naroda, konfesija i kultura, saradnji svoje i zemlje domaćina, turističkom potencijalu mediteranskog raja od kojeg su ga odvojili diplomatski putevi...

Njegova priča obiluje istorijskim faktima ali i reportažnim duhom koji nas je pomalo iznenadio dok nismo saznali da potiče iz novinarske porodice. Srbija mu se, kaže, svidja jer je narod gostoljubiv. U tome vidi sličnost sa Libanom. I ne samo u tome.

Diplomatiju doživljava kao izazov uz ocenu da dobrog diplomatu čini obaveštenost o dogadjanjima u svetu ali i spremnost da sluša,analizira i savetuje. Posebno ga raduje što se ove godine obeležava 60 godina uspostavljanja diplomatskih veza Srbije i Libana. Glavna misija mu je da te veze ojača, predstavi turističko blago svoje zemlje a Srbiju kao dobro mesto za libanske investitore.

Kako je izgledao vaš put ka diplomatiji? I šta čini diplomatu uspešnim u njegovoj karijeri?

"Moj put ka diplomatiji je bogat i raznovrstan. Najbolji opis mog života u službi u inostranstvu – jesu njegovi izazovi, opasnosti, zadovoljstva i radost – sve što sam ikada iskusio. To čini izvrsnu sliku života u inostranstvu i kod kuće, uključujući kako dobre, tako i loše aspekte, i odlično pokazuje na koji se način naša diplomatija mora menjati ako želi da izađe u susret silnim promenama i izazovima dvadeset i prvog veka."
Da bi bio uspešan, za diplomatu je bitno da bude u toku sa tekućim događajima svuda u svetu. Takođe treba da ume da sluša, analizira, rešava probleme i uči kako da primeni ove veštine u stranoj kulturi, promoviše međunarodnu trgovinu, uči o privredi dotične zemlje, poslovnoj praksi, bogatstvu kulture i bankarskom sistemu. Takođe je za diplomatu da nauči ophođenje i običaje u zemlji domaćinu i bude ljubazan, taktičan i strpljiv.

Koji su vaši utisci o Srbiji?

Srbija je divna zemlja. Od kada sam kročio u Srbiju pružena mi je samo ljubaznost od strane ljudi Srbije. Vrlo brzo sam se prilagodio i osetio prijatno. Srbija ima sjajnu hranu, izuzetne ljude, veliku kulturu i istoriju i divljenja vrednu čistu prirodu. Uživao sam u šetnjama po brojnim parkovima. Priroda Srbije me podseća na Liban gde možete naći planine i ravnice, a i ljudi Srbije me podsećaju na ljude Libana po kulturi, gostoprimstvu i raznovrsnosti. Takođe, glavni trg u Beogradu, skupština grada, hram, male kaldrmisane ulice i arhitektura oko starog gradskog središta koje je pešačka zona su stvarno vrlo ljupki. Jedna stvar se posebno izdvojila, a to je mera u kojoj su ljudi prijateljski nastrojeni i ljubazni. Svaki put kada bih otišao u prodavnicu, kafe ili restoran, ljudi su se stvarno trudili da razgovaraju sa mnom više nego što se dalo očekivati.

Kako izgleda vaša svakodnevica u Srbiji?

Moj svakodnevni program ovde je pun i aktivan, a uključuje različite zvanične, društvene i kulturne funkcije. Takođe obuhvata pripreme i organizovanje kulturnih događaja koji čine prisustvo Libana u Srbiji vidljivijim.

(Nastavak teksta u štampanom izdanju)

A Doctor With the Genes of a Journalist

His Excellency Dr Toufic Jaber greeted us in his residence in good spirits and ready to share with our readers his colorful life story. Accompanied by his wife Mrs. Abeer Messelmani Jaber, with traditional lebanese dishes and perfect white wine, he spoke of history, a tradition which is a result of a turbulent past and a synergy of numerous peoples, religions and cultures. He spoke of the cooperation of his country with the host country, the tourist potential of a Mediterranean paradise from which he was separated by the paths a diplomat takes...

His story is filled with historical facts but it also possesses a reporting kind of spirit which took us a little by surprise until we learned he comes from a family of journalists. He likes Serbia, he says, because the people are so very hospitable. That’s where he sees the similarities with his own country, Lebanon. And not just that.

He sees diplomacy as a challenge, and he also believes that what makes a good diplomat is being in the loop about world events and the readiness to listen, analyze and give advice. He is especially glad that we commemorate 60 years of Serbia and Lebanon’s diplomatic liaisons. The main mission is to keep that bond strong, represent the tourist treasures of his own land, and show Serbia in a favourable light to Lebanese investors.

What does your path to diplomacy look like? And what makes the diplomat successful in his career?

"My path to diplomacy is rich and diverse. The best description of my life in the Foreign Service - its challenges, dangers, satisfactions, and fun - I have ever seen. It paints a superb picture of life abroad and at home, including both its good and bad aspects, and does a brilliant job of pointing out how our diplomacy must change if it is to meet the tremendous changes and challenges of the twenty-first century."

To be successful, it is important for the diplomat to keep up with current events around the world. Also, he needs to listen well, analyse, problem-solve, and learn how to apply these skills in foreign cultures, promote international trade, learn about a country’s economy, business practices, culture richness and banking system. Also, importantly, the diplomat needs to learn the etiquette and customs of the host country and be polite, tactful, and patient.

What are your impressions of Serbia?

Serbia is a very charming country. Since my first step in Serbia I was shown nothing but kindness by the people of Serbia. I got adopted very quickly and I felt comfortable. Serbia has fantastic food, amazing people, great culture and history and awe inspiring clean nature. I enjoyed taking walks in the numerous parks. Serbia’s nature reminds me of Lebanon where you can find mountains and planes, also Serbian people remind me of the Lebanese people in culture, hospitality and diversity. Also, the main square in Belgrade, the town hall, cathedral, little cobbled streets, and surrounding architecture of the pedestrianised old town center are really quite charming. One thing in particular that really stood out to me was how friendly and helpful people were. Every time I went into a shop, café, or restaurant, people made a real effort to talk to me beyond what you would expect.

What is your daily life in Serbia?

My daily program here is full and active, and it includes diverse official, social and cultural functions. It also includes preparing and organising cultural events that make the presence of Lebanon in Serbia more visible.

(Continue reading more in printed edition)