Lebanese minister hails Aoun-Trump summit as historic, says impact extends beyond military aid

Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos described the summit between President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump in Washington as "historic," noting it was the first meeting between a Lebanese and an American president in nearly twenty years. He emphasized that the summit represented official and practical US recognition of Lebanon’s national decision regarding its sovereignty and negotiating stance.

In a televised interview, Morcos explained that "the warm reception President Aoun received and the meeting’s duration of over an hour are key indicators of the visit’s significance." He pointed out that "the political stance was accompanied by practical steps, starting with US support for the deployment of the Lebanese army, coinciding with the phased Israeli withdrawal from agreed areas."

He added that "the summit’s outcomes are not limited to supporting the Lebanese army, but also include a US openness to encouraging investment in Lebanon and reconsidering the suspension of direct flights to Beirut, in addition to backing the reform process." He expressed hope that these positions would translate into further concrete actions.

Morcos stressed that "President Aoun traveled to Washington with a firm position demanding full Israeli withdrawal, an end to Israeli violations, and enabling the Lebanese army to assert authority over all Lebanese territory with support from the United States and the international community." He underlined that President Aoun’s confidence in the army’s leadership and personnel is highly significant and renews trust in the military institution.

He explained that "the recent presidential visit to the United States comes within the context of upholding the constitution and the demand to restore Lebanese sovereignty," noting that President Aoun acted in accordance with his constitutional oath to remain faithful to the principles of national sovereignty.