Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has begun a crucial visit to Washington aimed at strengthening ties with the United States and securing support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and economic recovery, as Beirut seeks to consolidate a fragile cease-fire with Israel and reinforce the authority of the Lebanese state.
Aoun’s visit began with talks Sunday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department. The Lebanese president is also scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House Tuesday, marking one of the most significant diplomatic engagements of his presidency.
According to the Lebanese Presidency, Aoun told Rubio that Lebanon and the United States should work together to implement the U.S.-brokered agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26.
He stressed that implementation should begin with an initial Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, followed by the remaining provisions of the agreement.
The discussions reflected Beirut’s determination to translate diplomatic understandings into concrete developments on the ground after months of regional tensions that have left Lebanon facing political, economic and security challenges.
