Baabda: President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, engaged in significant diplomatic and community discussions on Thursday. He met with the Catholicos-Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia, Patriarch Rapha«l Bedros XXI Minassian, to review developments and issues affecting the Armenian community. Topics included the canonization process for Blessed martyred priest Komitas Komurjian and preparations to declare Servant of God Cardinal Krikor Agagianian blessed.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Patriarch Minassian praised President Aoun’s efforts to enhance security and stability and to reestablish Lebanon’s international presence after years of absence. In another key meeting, President Aoun welcomed Commander of the Jordanian Armed Forces, Yousef Hneiti, along with a delegation, at Baabda Palace. The discussion was attended by Jordanian Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al-Hadid.
The Jordanian delegation, including Brigadier Generals Haitham Bakr and Majdi Al-Harasis, conveyed Jordan’s dedication, under King Abdullah II’s directives, to support the Lebanese Armed Forces with equipment and training. Hneiti emphasized that this support is intended to help the Lebanese Army perform its duties, reflecting the strong fraternal ties between Lebanon and Jordan.
President Aoun extended his greetings to the Jordanian Monarch and expressed gratitude for Jordan’s ongoing support to Lebanon and its armed forces. He highlighted the brotherly bonds between the Lebanese and Jordanian peoples. The meeting also covered the regional situation amidst recent developments.
In a separate meeting, President Aoun addressed ambassadors at the central administration, urging them to streamline citizens’ affairs and enhance the functionality of Lebanese embassies abroad. Additionally, he met with former Ambassador Antoine Shadid to discuss the general situation and regional developments.
President Aoun was also updated by Mr. Karim Al-Andari on the preparations for the upcoming “Beirut Sports Festival,” scheduled at the Forum de Beirut from June 10 to 14, featuring local, Arab, and international participants.