Beirut: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, engaged in diplomatic and strategic discussions with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias at Baabda Palace, emphasizing the historical and cooperative ties between Lebanon and Greece. The meeting, attended by National Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassa, highlighted the ongoing collaboration across various fields.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun underscored the importance of enhancing Lebanese-Greek relations for mutual benefit. He acknowledged the cooperation between the Lebanese and Greek military forces and Greece's involvement in the UNIFIL naval force. Aoun welcomed Greece's support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, which aligns with the shared objective of advancing bilateral relations.
President Aoun updated Minister Dendias on the situation in southern Lebanon, specifically addressing the Lebanese army's deployment in areas previously occupied by the Israeli army. He stated that unresolved issues, such as Israeli attacks and retention of Lebanese prisoners, violate Security Council Resolution 1701 and threaten regional stability. Discussions also covered the Lebanese-Syrian border situation.
Minister Dendias, accompanied by Greek Ambassador Despina Koukoulopoulou, conveyed greetings from the Greek Prime Minister and expressed Greece's readiness to support the Lebanese Armed Forces. He invited President Aoun to visit Greece.
In a separate engagement, President Aoun welcomed a delegation from the global American law firm Squire Patton Boggs, led by Partner Gassan Balloul. The delegation emphasized the firm's commitment to Lebanon and its role in offering legal and strategic advice, reflecting its investment in Lebanon's reform and development.
Additionally, President Aoun met with Lebanon's Ambassador to the UAE, Fouad Dandan, to discuss the Lebanese community in the UAE and bilateral relations. Preparations for President Aoun's official visit to Abu Dhabi, at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, were also addressed.