Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun Addresses Regional Stability and Bilateral Relations

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun held talks with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and leaders from Yemen and Iraq to discuss regional stability, the Israeli military presence, Syrian refugees, and mutual cooperation. Aoun emphasized the need for Arab unity and expressed gratitude for international support, highlighting Lebanon’s commitment to addressing pressing challenges.

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun recently engaged in discussions regarding regional developments and bilateral relations with both Arab and international officials. He addressed the ongoing presence of Israeli forces within Lebanese territory, asserting that it hampers stability and hinders the enforcement of U.N. Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire agreements established in November 2024 and February 2025. President Aoun emphasized the importance of the Lebanese army’s deployment to ensure security in these areas.

During a meeting with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and a U.N. delegation at the Tulip Hotel in Cairo, Aoun expressed gratitude for the U.N.’s support, notably the critical role of UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon despite operational challenges. Guterres remarked on the need for regional stability, highlighting surprise at the ongoing Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, which he deemed detrimental.

Additionally, President Aoun highlighted the situation of Syrian refugees, advocating for their return to Syria given that the reasons for their initial displacement have diminished. Guterres also reaffirmed support for the Lebanese people, commending the recent government formation and urging respect for Lebanon’s territorial integrity while opposing any foreign military presence except for UNIFIL.

Meeting with Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, Aoun welcomed discussions centered on bilateral relations and regional cooperation. Al-Alimi extended congratulations on Aoun’s election and called for collaborative Arab efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Aoun expressed optimism for peace in Yemen, underlining the importance of Arab unity in addressing shared challenges.

Aoun further convened with Iraq’s President Abdul Latif Rashid, who congratulated him and reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening ties across various sectors. They discussed regional issues, specifically the situations in Syria and Palestine, also particularly looking forward to the forthcoming Arab League summit. Aoun acknowledged Iraq’s ongoing support for Lebanon and the cooperation in the oil sector. The Iraqi President extended an official invitation for Aoun to visit Iraq, which was well-received.

Additionally, Aoun interacted with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit who updated him on the pre-summit discussions and agreements. The meetings collectively underscored Aoun’s commitment towards enhancing Lebanon’s diplomatic relations and addressing pressing regional issues.

President Joseph Aoun’s discussions with regional leaders and international officials focused on critical issues, including the Israeli military presence, the plight of Syrian refugees, and enhancing Arab unity. The strong support from the U.N. and bilateral discussions with Yemen and Iraq reflect Lebanon’s proactive diplomatic efforts during these challenging times. Expectations from the upcoming Arab League summit were also highlighted, aiming for collaborative solutions to pressing issues in the region.

Original Source: www.lbcgroup.tv