A joint press conference was held at the presidential palace in the Turkish capital, Ankara, featuring Lebanese President Jozef Aoun and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and regional affairs.
President Erdogan highlighted the potential aid Turkey could provide to Lebanon, emphasizing that Lebanon is poised to benefit from the prevailing stability and cooperation in the region. He suggested that continued and enhanced dialogue between Lebanon and Syria would be beneficial for both countries and noted the need to spotlight war crimes perpetrated by Israel in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, President Aoun expressed his pleasure in visiting Turkey, an event reflecting the strong ties and shared commitment to boost cooperation. He spoke of the responsibility towards a nation enduring hardships yet remaining resilient, bearing the agony of a population that has paid a heavy price due to the Israeli war that resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of families and villages, alongside economic strain.
Aoun emphasized that the war has not crushed the Lebanese people's determination to restore state sovereignty, reconstruct, and secure a safe future. Citing Turkey's modern founder Kemal Ataturk, he reiterated that "peace at home, peace in the world" hinges on a strong state with effective institutions, prosperity, and justice. International peace is achieved through respecting sovereignty, people's rights, and fostering collaboration.
Aoun noted that he is the third Lebanese president to visit Turkey in seventy years, emphasizing the importance of nurturing ambitious and present relations as the region redefines its future. He praised Erdogan's sincere vision and his understanding that Lebanon's stability is integral to regional peace, marking this visit as the beginning of a new era of partnership and mutual trust.
President Aoun was afforded an official reception before his meeting with Erdogan, arriving at Ankara's military airport at 2:30 PM today. He was greeted by officials, including Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Ankara's Deputy Governor Cem Efşin Akbay, acting Ankara Garrison Commander Brigadier General Ayhan Kalender, Deputy Mayor of Ankara Faruk Koyunizoğlu, and Lebanese Ambassador to Turkey Munir Anouti among other Lebanese embassy officials.
From the airport, President Aoun and his delegation moved to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Welcomed by the site commander known as "Anitkabir," he laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence in Ataturk's honor. Following, he inscribed in the golden book:
"Today, I stand before the monument of President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, to pay tribute to a man who embodied the will of a people to rebuild their state, transforming reclaimed lands into a republic rooted in law and institutions.
Ataturk’s experience, marked by tenacity and steadfastness in ideas despite all adversities, remains an inspiration to all striving to build their genuine state. The Lebanese people, friends of the Turkish people, view this experience as a model for establishing a state of law and institutions, a state of justice and equality."