Baabda: President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, on Monday afternoon received Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen at Baabda Palace, with Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Youssef Rggi, and Finnish Ambassador to Lebanon, Anne Meskanen, in attendance. President Aoun underscored Lebanon's commitment to the continued presence of the UNIFIL force in south Lebanon, highlighting its role in maintaining regional security and stability in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He expressed gratitude for the Finnish contingent's contributions within UNIFIL and acknowledged the sacrifices made by its personnel in the service of peace.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun emphasized the significance of the Lebanese Army's presence alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers in the south, which provides reassurance to residents in the border area. He reiterated the importance of Israel's withdrawal from occupied hills, cessation of hostilities, and the implementation of agreements reached last November. The President also highlighted the ongoing coordination between the army and UNIFIL, as well as the social, health, humanitarian, and educational services provided by the international force to local communities, noting the economic benefits of its presence.
President Aoun briefed Minister Valtonen on the government's reform efforts, key appointments in state administrations, and the outcomes of his visits to Gulf countries. Minister Valtonen expressed her satisfaction in visiting Lebanon and congratulated President Aoun on his election. She emphasized the strong relations between Lebanon and Finland, highlighting her country's participation in UNIFIL peacekeeping forces. She also expressed a desire to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors and facilitate investments between the two nations.