Latest news with #Joseph Aoun
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Bahrain to establish permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut
BEIRUT: Bahrain will establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Beirut, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has said. The announcement came during a visit to Bahrain by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Aoun's trip commemorated the resumption of Bahrain's diplomatic representation in Lebanon and the 53rd anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations. In a statement, Aoun said: 'Lebanon looks forward to the full return of the Bahraini embassy to Beirut. 'We look forward to resuming full trade exchange between us, as well as our cooperation in various fields for the good of our peoples and the interests of our two countries.' King Hamad highlighted Bahrain's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability and territorial integrity. Bahrain rejects any external interference in Lebanon's internal affairs, he added, praising Lebanon's religious diversity and the values of civilized coexistence that characterize its society. Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa took part in the talks held at Al-Qudaibiya Palace in Manama on Wednesday. A joint statement said that the talks focused on 'ways to develop and strengthen relations across all fields to advance common interests. 'We are keen to enhance Lebanese-Bahraini relations and look forward to outcomes that benefit both peoples and nations alike,' it added. The king highlighted his kingdom's deep-rooted historical ties with Lebanon. The two sides exchanged views 'on regional events and developments of mutual concern,' in addition to 'the situation in Lebanon and efforts to address it.' Aoun praised Bahrain's support for Lebanon and its people. 'We also value Bahrain's commitment to preserving Lebanon's unity, security and stability. Lebanon looks forward to strengthening its cooperation with Bahrain to achieve shared benefits and prosperity for both peoples,' the president said. During the talks, King Hamad highlighted efforts to strengthen the Bahraini-Lebanese joint committee to implement agreements concluded between the two countries, and to explore further opportunities that serve mutual interests. 'This remains a consistent priority in our bilateral relations,' he said. 'Bahrain has long welcomed Lebanon's citizens and those who hold it dear, ensuring their stay is met with warmth and care in recognition of the valuable contributions they have made, and continue to make to the Kingdom,' he added. The king said Bahrain would stand by Lebanon to restore its prominent role within the Arab world and the international community. 'Lebanon will rise once more to be, as it has always been, a homeland of unity, peace and harmonious coexistence,' he said. 'We hope that this country would continue to serve as a beacon for the Arab East and a gateway to the sought-after regional stability.' Also attending the talks were Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, personal representative of the king of Bahrain; Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, representative of the king for humanitarian and youth affairs, and national security adviser; and Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, first deputy president of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, president of the General Sports Authority and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, along with senior Bahraini and Lebanese officials. On the second day of his visit to Bahrain, Aoun held a meeting with Bahrain's Economic Development Board. He told the board that Lebanon is pursuing investment partnerships based on mutual trust and the belief that his country's recovery and stability are in the interests of the entire region. 'We closely follow Bahrain's inspiring experience in economic diversification, infrastructure development and the enhancement of the innovation environment,' he said. 'In this context, I would like to praise Bahrain's last activities on the international scene, which affirm that Bahrain is an ambitious and effective economic player globally.' He thanked the kingdom for its support of Lebanon and for embracing its expatriate community. Lebanon views Bahrain as 'an honest partner with whom we can build a new phase of active cooperation on both the government and private sector levels,' he said. Bahraini Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa described the steps taken by the government to implement its economic recovery plan, develop industries and carry out major development projects to ensure growth. 'Bahrain became a service hub for the UAE and Saudi Arabia,' he said. The minister highlighted improvements in Bahrain's economic indicators, including significant growth in the oil sector. Minister of Sustainable Development Noor bint Ali Al-Khulaif said she was keen to maintain and improve ties with Lebanon. She highlighted investment projects in Bahrain and efforts to improve empowerment programs, as well as the golden residency offered by the kingdom and its impact on economic growth. The board meeting also discussed the energy sector and investments, as well as the private sector's role in completing major projects in Bahrain.
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun to Bahraini press delegation: Our decision to save the state is final, Lebanon awaits you
During a meeting with a delegation of Bahraini newspaper editors, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to national recovery, stating, "Our decision to save the state is final and irreversible." He also extended a welcoming message, saying, "Lebanon awaits you," highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between Lebanon and Bahrain.
LBCI
2 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
President Aoun: Critical phase requires unity to protect Lebanon's sovereignty
President Joseph Aoun, during a meeting with Reverend Joseph Kassab, President at Supreme Council of Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon, stressed that "the current stage is delicate and sensitive, requiring national awareness and unified positions to preserve Lebanon's unity—both its land and its people—and to protect its sovereignty and independence." He noted that "communications are ongoing to address the repercussions of developments in several countries in the region, in order to prevent their impact on Lebanon."
Arab News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Lebanese army warns of security crackdown in wake of clashes in Syria's Sweida
BEIRUT: The Lebanese army said on Friday that it 'will not allow any breach of security or violation of civil peace' amid fears that rising tensions in the neighboring Syrian Arab Republic could spread to Lebanon. In a statement, the army added that 'overcoming this phase requires the unity and solidarity of the Lebanese, awareness of the gravity of the situation, and their responsibility, and refraining from taking any action that would have unintended consequences for the security of the Lebanese.' Towns and villages in Mount Lebanon, home to the Druze community, have witnessed attempts to block roads and assault Syrian workers in recent days following the renewed clashes in Sweida, Syria. President Joseph Aoun chaired a meeting of security leaders on Friday. A military source told Arab News: 'The security, military, and intelligence agencies have taken the utmost caution and vigilance to thwart any attempt at sedition within Lebanon.' Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke with Druze Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Mona and praised his 'responsible role in calming tensions, quelling strife, and preserving civil peace in Lebanon,' according to Salam's office. The media office said the two sides stressed that 'what is happening outside Lebanon's borders should not be turned into a source of internal incitement.' An extraordinary meeting of the Druze Religious Council in Lebanon concluded with former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt calling for 'an immediate ceasefire in Sweida in preparation for direct dialogue between the Syrian state and local actors.' Jumblatt added that 'Jabal Al-Arab is an integral part of Syria.' He condemned the Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon, and called for the 'formation of an investigation committee to uncover the crimes committed against the people of Sweida and the Bedouins.' Al-Mona declared the council's 'full solidarity with our people in Sweida, and with the wounded and injured as a result of the recent unfortunate events.' He called on 'everyone to reject any divisive tendency,' and stressed 'the need to adhere to the ceasefire agreement signed two days ago.' Al-Mona denounced 'the attack on Sunnis,' considering it a reaction. 'The council neither justifies nor accepts this type of action, whatever its reasons,' he said. Al-Mona rejected any Israeli interference in Syrian affairs, calling on the international community to open a transparent investigation into the events and hold those responsible accountable. He also declared his rejection of 'the spread of strife to Lebanon.' The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, the highest religious authority in the Sunni sect, contacted Al-Mona, and both sides affirmed their 'complete rejection of being drawn into any inflammatory rhetoric or covering up any provocative actions that would inflame sectarian tensions and give a false image of the relationship between the two sects.' The two sides called for 'avoiding falling into the trap of strife' and emphasized their 'rejection of any foreign interventions and attacks that contribute to undermining the unity that has always governed the historical relationship between the two sects.' Both called on 'the Syrian state, the religious sheikhs of Jabal Al-Arab, religious authorities, religious figures, and tribes to work seriously and effectively to bring about an immediate end to the ongoing violence and to expel the extremists who, intentionally or unintentionally, contribute to the implementation of suspicious plans.'
LBCI
7 days ago
- Business
- LBCI
EU ambassadors meet Lebanon's leaders, reaffirm support and push for reforms
EU and Member State ambassadors have met this week with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. During the meetings, the ambassadors reaffirmed the EU's ongoing support for Lebanon, including in the areas affected by recent hostilities. Current funding in these regions amounts to over $600 million, nearly half of the EU's total engagement in Lebanon, which exceeds $1 billion. Beyond humanitarian aid, most of the funding supports key sectors, including education, healthcare, social protection, water and sanitation, and agriculture. It also contributes to economic recovery through job creation and support for the private sector. Additional funding, not included in the $600 million, helps address the impact of the conflict on Lebanon's stability. This includes support for the Lebanese Armed Forces in the south, the removal of rubble and unexploded ordnance, and enhanced border management. The ambassadors highlighted the role of UNIFIL in maintaining security in the south and stressed the need for the full implementation of Resolution 1701, including the state's exclusive control of weapons and adherence to the ceasefire agreement. They also urged Lebanon's Parliament to approve a Bank Resolution Law that meets international standards and called on the country's government to adopt a transparent and fair strategy for distributing financial sector losses (the so-called "GAP Law"). The ambassadors concluded by reiterating their support for Lebanon and their readiness to continue assisting the country.
