The Lebanese Presidency announced that President Michel Aoun engaged in bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House following an official invitation for a working visit. The discussions covered security, political, and economic issues concerning Lebanon and bilateral relations.
According to a statement from the Presidential Media Office, both sides emphasized the historical partnership between Lebanon and the United States, with a focus on the security, political, and economic priorities needed to enhance Lebanon's stability and prosperity.
During the meeting, President Aoun stressed the urgent need for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, considering it a crucial step for establishing stability and allowing Lebanon to assert its full sovereignty with its own resources, moving forward with implementing the joint trilateral framework.
President Aoun also highlighted to President Trump the catastrophic impacts of the recent war on Lebanon, outlining the human and economic losses, as well as significant damage to infrastructure.
The talks addressed strengthening U.S. support for the Lebanese army, enhancing cooperation in various fields, supporting Lebanon’s economic recovery and reconstruction, and encouraging U.S. investments in Lebanon.
Additionally, President Aoun brought up the importance of re-establishing direct air links between Lebanon and the United States.
The discussions concluded with an agreement to continue coordination to implement the agreed-upon initiatives and pursue joint ventures in security, defense, and economic areas, bolstering Lebanon's stability and opening new avenues for cooperation between the two countries.