Lebanese President Calls on European Union to Support Stability of Lebanese State to Achieve Its Goals

Beirut, August 24 (KUNA) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the European Union today, Monday, to assist Lebanon in achieving the goals set by the state to advance the country. The Lebanese presidency said in a statement that this came during President Aoun’s reception of Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide at Baabda Palace, where they discussed the general situation in the country, particularly in the south, as well as regional developments. The statement said that President Aoun asked the Norwegian minister to “work with other European countries to help Lebanon achieve the goals set by the state to advance the country, consolidate security and stability, and establish peace in Lebanon and the region.” He expressed his gratitude to Norway for its ongoing interest in Lebanon and its support for its “just” causes in international forums, particularly through its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). President Aoun also urged the Norwegian minister to work with European countries to help his country consolidate security and stability and enhance humanitarian aid, especially for internally displaced persons from areas targeted by the Israeli occupation. For his part, the Norwegian Foreign Minister affirmed his country’s readiness to provide the necessary support to Lebanon to overcome the current circumstances, stressing the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability, and continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to Lebanese people and the families of military personnel. (End) F.Z. / M.A. H.A.