President of the Republic Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the vision outlined in his inaugural address, emphasizing that “what the Lebanese people need is to live with dignity.”
President Aoun called for an end to political bickering and sectarian power struggles, asserting that “all ministries belong to Lebanon, as does the Cabinet.” He also stressed that sectarian representation in government should come through independent, competent elites rather than partisan affiliations.
Aoun’s remarks came during his meeting at Baabda Palace with Rev. Joe Kassab, President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community, who was accompanied by a delegation.
Kassab expressed confidence that Lebanon was entering a new phase in its history, recalling the Evangelical community’s role in the nation’s foundation, including its representation in the first Lebanese parliament in 1920. He praised Aoun’s leadership, likening his vision for the country to his past efforts in the Lebanese Armed Forces.
President Aoun also met with World Bank Regional Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, Ousmane Dione, with whom he discussed ongoing financial and developmental assistance to Lebanon.
The President assured Dione that Lebanon was committed to necessary reforms and that the new government’s priority was to draft and implement legislation addressing economic and administrative restructuring.
Dione reiterated the World Bank’s support for Lebanon and revealed that the institution has allocated $736 million in long-term loans, pending parliamentary approval. He also highlighted plans for a rapid damage assessment and emergency aid to support Lebanon’s post-war reconstruction efforts.
Separately, Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mohamed Noor Rahman Sheikh, conveyed a message from Indian President Droupadi Murmu, congratulating Aoun on his election and expressing optimism for strengthened Indo-Lebanese relations.
The Indian President commended Aoun’s leadership and expressed hope for Lebanon’s stability and institutional development under his presidency.
Aoun also welcomed at Baabda Palace a delegation of Lebanese Catholic nuns, who voiced their commitment to supporting his presidency. They urged state intervention to assist religious institutions in providing education and social services amid economic hardship.
In turn, Aoun acknowledged their role in serving neglected communities and emphasized the importance of moral education in combating societal issues such as drug abuse.
In a related development, First Lady Naamat Aoun met with the nuns to discuss humanitarian initiatives, particularly in aiding the elderly and underprivileged. She expressed her intention to explore avenues for sustaining social welfare programs.
On another note, the Presidential Directorate-General announced the completion of official portraits of President Aoun, which will be distributed to government institutions in the coming days.
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