Madrid: President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon engaged in discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S¡nchez in Spain, expressing hope for Spain's support in establishing a strategic and comprehensive partnership with the European Union. Aoun emphasized the significance of Spain's involvement in the upcoming international conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, President Aoun addressed Spain's interest in maintaining its armed forces in southern Lebanon after the planned withdrawal of UNIFIL forces by 2027. He highlighted ongoing consultations with Spain, Italy, and Austria regarding this matter. Aoun also underscored the need for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, aligning with the Arab Peace Initiative from the 2002 Beirut Summit, and expressed hopes for enhanced trade relations with Spain to boost Lebanese exports and reduce the trade deficit.
Prime Minister S¡nchez reiterated Spain's commitment to supporting Lebanon's efforts to bolster security and stability. He noted the importance of a stable Lebanon to Spain and expressed Spain's determination to enhance economic cooperation through agreements and memoranda of understanding, which would deepen bilateral ties.
During the meeting, Sanchez also mentioned that discussions with EU countries would address the issue of maintaining Spanish forces in southern Lebanon post-UNIFIL withdrawal. President Aoun, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raggi and an official Lebanese delegation, was welcomed at the Spanish Presidency of the Council of Ministers, where he penned a message of appreciation in the Golden Book of the Spanish Premiership.
President Aoun praised the longstanding Lebanese-Spanish relations and expressed hopes for the visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various fields. An expanded meeting followed, where Aoun acknowledged Spain's support for Lebanon in international forums and stressed the importance of Spain's participation in the Paris conference.