Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, conducted a series of significant meetings on Thursday, addressing key issues ranging from healthcare to digital transformation and economic planning. In a meeting with Dr. Rakan Nasreddine, the Minister of Public Health, President Aoun discussed the draft implementation decree for the National Drug Agency, which is in preparation for submission to the Cabinet. Additionally, the minister presented details of the National Cancer Plan, highlighting a 43% increase in cancer drug coverage over the past two months.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Dr. Nasreddine informed President Aoun about his recent visit to the World Health Organization, which resulted in Lebanon regaining its voting rights. This development is expected to strengthen Lebanon's position in the global health community.
President Aoun also chaired a ministerial meeting focused on digital transformation. The meeting included Minister of Displaced Persons and Minister of State for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Kamal Shehadeh, and Minister of State for Administrative Development, Dr. Fadi Makki. The discussions centered on pursuing model projects to enhance cooperation between ministries, with an emphasis on full coordination through a ministerial committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Tarek Mitri.
The outcomes of a conference titled "Smart Government: Diaspora Expertise for Lebanon," held at the Phoenicia Hotel and organized by the Lebanese Executives Council, were also reviewed during the meeting. This conference aimed to leverage diaspora expertise for the country's digital advancement.
In a separate engagement, President Aoun met with Minister of Economy and Trade, Amer al-Bisat, at Baabda Palace. They discussed the ministry's medium-term economic strategy, which will serve as the foundation for an investment conference scheduled for next fall.
President Aoun also welcomed Habib Ephrem, Head of the Syriac League in Lebanon, and a delegation from a symposium on protecting diversity and freedoms in the East. The delegation, which included participants from Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the United States, and Belgium, expressed their support for President Aoun's leadership.
In a ceremony, President Aoun awarded the Lebanese Silver Order of Merit to businessman Charles Hanna and artist George Khabbaz. Hanna was recognized for his contributions to Lebanon and the military institution, while Khabbaz was honored for his artistic achievements that reflect Lebanese social realities.