Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, convened several meetings at Baabda Palace, engaging with political, educational, and expatriate representatives.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun first met with Minister of Education and Higher Education Rima Karami. She provided updates on the ministry's activities since her appointment, emphasizing priorities such as addressing learning loss, enhancing education quality, and supporting educators at all levels. Karami stressed the importance of long-term development over crisis management and insisted that all ministry actions should be based on legal and institutional frameworks.
The President also had discussions with MP Michel Murr regarding the current political environment and upcoming municipal and mayoral elections, particularly in the region of Mount Lebanon.
In a meeting with the founder and CEO of Vitex Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Elias Chami, and a delegation from the company, President Aoun was briefed on Vitex's initiatives. The Australian-registered company aims to share regulatory best practices with Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health and seeks investment opportunities with Lebanese entrepreneurs. Dr. Anis Chami announced that the University of Balamand will name its new medical simulation center in Koura after his father, Dr. Elie Chami. He also revealed Vitex's plans to build a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in Australia, which aims to be among the top five global drug producers, creating over 1,000 jobs and manufacturing more than 30 billion doses annually for worldwide distribution.
President Aoun expressed his pride in the Lebanese diaspora, especially in Australia, highlighting their significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting their host communities. He encouraged expatriates to continue investing in Lebanon's future.
The President concluded by meeting Carla Edde, following her appointment as his personal representative to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). They discussed Lebanon's priorities within the organization, and President Aoun wished her success in her new role.