President of the Republic Joseph Aoun underscored the urgent need to set aside political disputes to expedite the formation of a new government, emphasizing that its primary mission should be the swift reconstruction of areas devastated by the recent Israeli aggression. Speaking during a series of morning meetings at the Baabda Presidential Palace, Aoun stressed that political cohesion was essential to revitalizing national progress.
Highlighting the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional integrity, the President stated, “Without the judiciary, we risk descending into chaos. My administration is resolute in advancing legislation to ensure judicial independence, a principle that every judge must internalize to act in the public interest rather than personal gain.”
President Aoun welcomed Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Mor Ignatius Ephrem II, accompanied by a delegation of clerics. Patriarch Ephrem II expressed his joy at visiting Baabda following the end of the presidential vacuum. He described Lebanon as holding a unique place in the hearts of the Syriac community, noting that its name in Syriac means “the heart of God.”
The Patriarch lauded the unity surrounding President Aoun’s leadership and urged inclusivity for the Syriac community in Lebanon’s political and administrative framework.
“Despite challenges posed by sectarian divisions, we remain ready to contribute our expertise to Lebanon’s success,” the Patriarch said, calling for swift government formation to enable reconstruction and reform.
In turn, President Aoun reaffirmed the Syriac community’s integral role in Lebanon’s social fabric, emphasizing that state institutions must uphold their rights.
“Lebanon’s greatest wealth lies in its human capital,” Aoun stated, underscoring the importance of trust-building between the state and citizens as a precursor to restoring international confidence.
On the diplomatic front, President Aoun received a congratulatory letter from Britain’s King Charles III, delivered by British Ambassador Hamish Cowell. The letter praised Aoun’s leadership and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Lebanon, particularly through bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces and fostering stability.
"Dear Mr. President, My wife and I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you on your election as President of the Republic of Lebanon.
If I may say so, your appointment will ensure the bond between our nations remains strong and enduring. The United Kingdom and Lebanon have long been close partners, working together on important global issues, whether they be peace, security, education, the environment or climate change.
I have greatly valued your leadership as Chief of Defence whilst my Government has worked together with the Lebanese Armed Forces towards security and stability in Lebanon and the wider region. I deeply appreciate the strong people-to-people links between our two countries and am proud of the United Kingdom’s significant humanitarian support to Lebanon in the last year. I am also pleased that recent trade figures between the United Kingdom and Lebanon have reached record levels.
I wish you every success in guiding your nation forwards at this important time, and I send my kindest wishes to you and to all the Lebanese people for the future," King Charles said in his letter.
Ambassador Cowell discussed regional stability, emphasizing the importance of implementing UN Resolution 1701 and facilitating Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
For his part, Aoun thanked King Charles for his support, expressing Lebanon’s readiness to strengthen bilateral relations.
President Aoun separately met with Jean-Christophe Carret, the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Middle East, with whom he discussed reconstruction efforts. Carret outlined plans for an international conference on rebuilding war-damaged areas, estimating losses at hundreds of millions of dollars. He also urged Lebanon to activate previously frozen infrastructure loans.
Aoun then hosted a delegation from the Constitutional Council, led by Judge Tannous Mechleb, who commended the President’s commitment to judicial independence.
Aoun reiterated his vision of a state built on the pillars of security and justice, stating that government formation is a crucial step toward demonstrating Lebanon’s readiness for reform and investment.
Former Prime Minister, Hassan Diab, visited President Aoun to congratulate him on his election and expressed optimism about Lebanon’s prospects under Aoun’s leadership.
Diab emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to seize the opportunity for national recovery.
Aoun also received congratulatory messages from international leaders, including Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Moroccan King Mohammed VI, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Each message reaffirmed their nations’ solidarity with Lebanon and optimism for its democratic and economic recovery under Aoun’s leadership.
President Aoun concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need for unity and action.
“I am here to serve the people, not to be served. Let us rise above divisions and seize this historic opportunity to rebuild Lebanon and restore its position as a beacon of enlightenment and coexistence.”
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