Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Monday received the credentials of the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, during a ceremony held at Baabda Presidential Palace. The event was attended by several officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Raggi, and other dignitaries. Ambassador Issa was welcomed with ceremonial honors, including the playing of the American national anthem and a guard of honor, before presenting his credentials to President Aoun.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Ambassador Issa conveyed greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump and emphasized Washington's commitment to enhancing American-Lebanese relations. President Aoun expressed his desire for successful diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In addition to the ambassador's credentials ceremony, President Aoun engaged in a series of meetings with international officials. He met with Karolina Lindholm Billing, the new head of the UNHCR Beirut office, to discuss the Commission's work in Lebanon. President Aoun expressed support for their efforts and wished Billing success in her mission.
Furthermore, President Aoun welcomed a delegation from the Arab Union for Internet and Communications, led by its President, Feras Bakour. The discussions centered on the Union's initiatives, including the Arab Incubator Project for Artificial Intelligence Projects, aimed at fostering integration and development in the region's information and communications sector.
Lastly, President Aoun met with a high-level delegation from Morgan Stanley, consisting of 14 international investors, who were in Lebanon for the Beirut 1 conference. The President highlighted the significance of international financial institutions' presence in Beirut and noted the substantial participation in the conference as a sign of returning international confidence in Lebanon's economic stability.