Beirut: In honor of the 249th Anniversary of the United States of America's Independence Day, the Embassy of the United States of America held a reception attended by his Excellency Michel Menassa, Minister of National Defense representing the President of the Republic Joseph Aoun, the Honorable Fady Alame, Member of Parliament representing his Excellency Speaker Nabih Berri, and his Excellency Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Culture representing Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, U.S. Ambassador Johnson highlighted the shared vision between the United States and Lebanon for a sovereign nation that prioritizes unity, stability, and growth. She emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Armed Forces as the protectors of Lebanon's sovereignty and mentioned the recent efforts by the Lebanese government to reclaim the nation's sovereignty through historic cabinet decisions aimed at disarming non-state groups.
Ambassador Johnson acknowledged the challenges Lebanon has faced, including conflict and economic difficulties, but expressed optimism about the nation's future. She noted that the Lebanese government has taken significant steps to strengthen security, enact economic reforms, and hold successful municipal elections, which are setting the stage for restoring investor confidence.
The Ambassador also shared her personal experiences traveling across Lebanon, expressing her admiration for the country's natural beauty and cultural richness. She concluded her remarks with a call for sustained momentum in Lebanon's reforms and reiterated the United States' commitment to supporting Lebanon's journey towards peace, prosperity, and shared opportunities.