Philippe Takla

Philippe Takla
Born	Template:Birth date Lebanon
Died	July 10, 2006(2006-07-10) (aged 91)
Occupation(s)	Attorney, diplomat, politician
Years active	1945–1976
Known for	Foreign Minister of Lebanon, Governor of Banque du Liban, Ambassador to France

Philippe Takla (born 3 February 1915 – died 10 July 2006) was a distinguished Lebanese attorney, diplomat, and political figure who held the position of foreign minister.

Early life

Born into a Greek Catholic household on 3 February 1915, Takla was the son of Salim Takla, a prominent politician who served as a parliamentary representative for Mount Lebanon.

Career

Professionally trained as a lawyer, Takla entered the Lebanese parliament through a by-election in May 1945 for Mount Lebanon, succeeding his late father. He successfully maintained his parliamentary seat during the general elections of 1947 and 1957. His ministerial roles included serving as finance minister from June 1951 until February 1952, economy minister in both 1959 and 1964, as well as foreign affairs and tourism minister in 1960. Between 1963 and 1967, he was appointed governor of Lebanon's Central Bank.

Beginning in 1967, Takla acted as Lebanon’s representative at the United Nations and subsequently served as ambassador to France from 1968 to 1971. Over the course of his career, he was appointed foreign minister on seven separate occasions between 1952 and 1976, with his final term spanning from July 1975 to June 1976.

Death and burial

Takla passed away on 10 July 2006 at the age of 91 and was laid to rest in Zouk Mikhael.