Baabda: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, has reiterated his commitment to propelling Lebanon forward by focusing on rebuilding the state and establishing trust. During a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation from the Egyptian-Lebanese Businessmen Friendship Association, Aoun stressed the importance of advancing foundational steps rather than dwelling on past challenges.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Aoun highlighted the significance of responsible communication, acknowledging that while progress has been limited, the achievements thus far are crucial for setting the country on the right path. He praised Egypt for its unwavering support during Lebanon's political and economic crises, emphasizing that this support has been characterized by solidarity without interference in Lebanon's internal matters.
The delegation, led by Chairman Fathallah Fawzy and Vice Chairman Fouad Habradj, expressed their confidence in Lebanon's potential for recovery and pledged continued cooperation in trade and investment. Fawzy remarked on the deep-rooted connections between Egypt and Lebanon, which extend beyond economic interests to encompass a shared history and destiny.
President Aoun underscored the need to restore trust between the state, its citizens, and the international community. He reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, describing it as the focal point of his efforts. Aoun declared that Lebanon is not bankrupt but rather a victim of theft, and emphasized the importance of reforming the judiciary and creating conditions for youth retention and expatriate return.
In a separate meeting, President Aoun discussed the telecommunications agenda with Minister Charles Haj and engaged with Starlink's Global Licensing Director Sam Turner about integrating Lebanon into Starlink's global network. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity across various sectors without competing with existing local providers.