The Lebanese Embassy in Washington has announced via a statement that the White House has extended an official invitation to President Jozef Aoun to visit Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 21.
According to the statement, "This invitation reflects the strength of the partnership between Lebanon and the United States and offers an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, regional security, and continued U.S. support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, and official institutions."
The statement also highlighted that "The invitation follows a period of intense diplomatic efforts by Lebanon's Embassy in Washington, coordinated closely with the Lebanese Presidency and senior U.S. officials. During this time, the embassy worked to enhance bilateral dialogue at the highest levels and facilitate arrangements leading to this official visit."
The embassy confirmed that it is coordinating all aspects of Aoun's visit in close collaboration with the Presidency, the White House, and the U.S. State Department to ensure the success of the bilateral meeting.
A Three-Way Meeting?
Earlier, the Hebrew newspaper 'Maariv' reported that Trump, while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, might promote Aoun's visit to Washington with the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving all three leaders.
The newspaper noted that the White House is working to link discussions with Netanyahu to a broader regional initiative involving Lebanon and Iran, in addition to potential arrangements concerning the northern border.
However, Aoun has affirmed that he will not meet with Netanyahu, citing continued Israeli aggressions against Lebanese citizens and the encroachment on their lands.