Trump Welcomes Aoun at the White House: We Will Help Lebanon and Resolve Many of Its Problems

Lebanese President: Our goal is to end the state of hostility with Israel forever

In the first visit by a Lebanese president to the White House in 17 years, US President Donald Trump held talks on Tuesday with his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, following the signing of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel brokered by the United States.

Trump stated that relations with Lebanon are “good,” noting that the Lebanese president “is highly respected” and that the two sides held productive meetings. He affirmed that Washington “will work to resolve many issues concerning Lebanon,” adding that some of them “have already been resolved.”

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He added that Lebanon “has been mistreated for a long time” and that the United States would provide it with “substantial aid,” considering that Aoun “could become one of the most important leaders in the Middle East.”

When asked about the possibility of communicating with Hezbollah, Trump said, “If the Lebanese President asks me to speak with Hezbollah, I will do so.”

For his part, Aoun thanked the US President for what he described as “historic achievements we have accomplished together,” as well as for the agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

He emphasized that “the ultimate goal is to permanently end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel,” noting that Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, “who is from the South, supports ending hostilities and is making significant efforts.”

Aoun added that the time has come for Lebanon and the entire region to enjoy stability and security, affirming that the framework agreement does not require parliamentary approval.