Newly elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to Lebanon for a significant meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties.
The discussions took place on Friday at the presidential palace in Beirut, where both leaders exchanged views on Lebanon’s current priorities and challenges.
During the meeting, President Aoun made it clear that Lebanon's stance on territorial integrity remains firm. He reiterated the country's demand for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories.
In addition, he emphasised the importance of deploying the Lebanese army along the southern border to ensure peace and security in the region. This position is central to Lebanon's ongoing efforts to safeguard its sovereignty.
Aoun expressed his appreciation for President Christodoulides' visit, particularly as it coincided with the second day of Aoun's presidency. He regarded the visit as a hopeful gesture for the people of Lebanon, underlining the importance of international support during such a challenging time.
The Lebanese president highlighted the need for assistance in key areas, especially in terms of economic recovery and the strengthening of the Lebanese Armed Forces, which continue to face significant pressures.
One of the key aspects of the meeting was Lebanon’s appeal for European Union support, especially as the country works towards forming a new government. Aoun stressed that European backing would be crucial in stabilising Lebanon’s political and economic environment.
He conveyed that the support of the European Union could play a pivotal role in addressing Lebanon's pressing issues, particularly the ongoing economic crisis.
In response, President Christodoulides assured Aoun of Cyprus' unwavering support for Lebanon. He acknowledged the difficulties Lebanon faces and promised to advocate for increased European Union involvement in assisting the country.
Christodoulides further invited Aoun to participate in the European Council meeting scheduled for March in Brussels, where Lebanon’s vision and needs could be presented to European leaders. This invitation signals a commitment to elevating Lebanon's issues on the European political stage.
The election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president marked a historic moment for the country. After more than two years of political deadlock and a prolonged presidential vacancy, Aoun’s election on Thursday provided a much-needed resolution.
Aoun secured 99 votes in the second round of voting, which was attended by 128 members of parliament. His victory came after an initial round in which he failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority, which resulted in a brief adjournment before proceeding to the second round.
The second round saw a simpler majority requirement of 65 votes, which Aoun comfortably exceeded. His closest competitor, Shibli Mallat, a well-known legal figure in Lebanon, only received two votes.
The remainder of the parliament's votes were either blank or cast in protest, highlighting the divided political atmosphere in Lebanon at the time.
Despite these challenges, Aoun's victory signifies a new chapter for Lebanon, providing hope for renewed leadership and action in addressing the country’s urgent needs.
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