In a wave of Arab and international support, leaders from various nations have congratulated Joseph Aoun on his election as the new President of Lebanon. This momentous occasion signifies the conclusion of a prolonged power vacuum, with pivotal figures like King Salman of Saudi Arabia extending their best wishes for Aoun’s leadership and the future stability of Lebanon.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has conveyed a message of congratulations to President Joseph Aoun on his election as President of the Lebanese Republic, as well as his subsequent taking of the constitutional oath. The Custodian expressed his aspirations for President Aoun’s success and for the ongoing development and prosperity of the Lebanese populace.
Read more: Joseph Aoun elected as Lebanon’s 14th president ending over two-year stalemate
Saudi Crown Prince’s support for Lebanon
Furthermore, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, also extended a congratulatory message to President Joseph Aoun in light of his election as President of the Lebanese Republic and the taking of the constitutional oath. The Crown Prince shared his best wishes for President Aoun’s success and for the sustained advancement and welfare of the Lebanese people.
UAE President, VPs congratulate Joseph Aoun on presidential election victory
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Joseph Aoun following his electoral victory and subsequent constitutional oath-taking as the President of the Republic of Lebanon.
Additionally, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also conveyed similar congratulatory messages to President Aoun.
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to X to congratulate Aoun, saying: “Congratulations to Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon. I wish him success in leading his country and its people to further stability, development, and progress, and I look forward to working with him to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and Lebanon.”
For his part, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon, expressing his hopes for sustained stability, security and progress for the Lebanese people.
Ending two-year power vacuum
Lebanon’s parliament has elected the army chief as the country’s president, effectively concluding a power vacuum that has persisted for over two years.
This election took place six weeks after Lebanon reached a ceasefire agreement to end a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which left the latter considerably weakened and devastated regions under its control.
During the conflict, the Lebanese army, which Aoun has led since 2017, remained uninvolved and plays a crucial role under the ceasefire arrangement.
Aoun’s vision for Lebanon
In a speech delivered to lawmakers after his election on Thursday, Aoun proclaimed that “a new phase in Lebanon’s history” had commenced. The 60-year-old committed himself to ensuring that the Lebanese state possesses “the exclusive right to bear arms” throughout his six-year term.
Addressing destruction and reform
Aoun identified one of his primary goals as addressing the destruction wrought by “Israeli aggression” in southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and the eastern Bekaa Valley during the war—damage that the World Bank estimates will require $8.5 billion to repair. He also vowed to pursue the political and economic reforms deemed necessary in a nation grappling with multiple crises, including a six-year-long economic depression regarded as one of the most severe in modern history, as well as the catastrophic 2020 Beirut port explosion that claimed over 200 lives.
Presidential responsibilities
In his role as president, Aoun will not be tasked with making executive decisions. However, he will be responsible for signing bills into law, consulting with political parties regarding the appointment of a prime minister, and approving the cabinet prior to its submission to parliament for a vote of confidence. Lebanon has been without a fully functioning government since the parliamentary elections in May 2022. Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati was unable to secure support for a new cabinet before then-President Michel Aoun’s term ended that October, leaving his administration with diminished powers. The deeply fragmented parliament subsequently failed to elect a new president on 12 different occasions.
In Thursday’s initial round, 71 lawmakers voted in favor of Aoun, falling 15 votes short of the two-thirds majority he needed in the 128-seat parliament. An additional 37 lawmakers submitted blank ballots, while 20 ballots were deemed invalid.
Hours later, Aoun was elected president after garnering 99 votes in the second round. As soon as the results were announced by Speaker Nabih Berri, television channels broadcast images of celebrations erupting across the nation. Aoun was later seen arriving at the parliament building in a dark suit, as opposed to his military uniform, and inspected the guards before entering the chamber to take his oath.
Former President Michel Aoun visited Baabda Palace on Friday to meet with newly elected President Joseph Aoun. Following their meeting, Michel Aoun remarked, “It is only natural to come and congratulate him, wishing him success during this challenging period.”
Macron and U.S. support for Aoun
U.S. President Joe Biden praised Joseph Aoun’s election as Lebanon’s president, stating that the army chief is the “right leader” for the nation.
“President Aoun has my confidence. I believe strongly he is the right leader for this time,” said Biden, adding that Aoun would provide “critical leadership” in overseeing an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.
The U.S. embassy in Beirut expressed its commitment to collaborating closely with Aoun as he embarks on “his efforts to unite the country, implement reforms, and secure a prosperous future for Lebanon.”
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, remarked that the election represented “a long-awaited first step towards overcoming Lebanon’s political and institutional vacuum and providing the Lebanese people with the functioning state institutions they deserve.”
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Aoun on what he described as a “crucial election” that “paves the way for reform and the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty and prosperity.”
Bahrain’s support for Lebanon
His Majesty Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a message of congratulations to His Excellency President Joseph Aoun on his election as President of Lebanon and his taking of the constitutional oath. His Majesty wished President Aoun success in his duties to advance and prosper Lebanon, fulfilling the aspirations of its people.
His Majesty emphasized Bahrain’s support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations and Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing them.
Jordan’s commitment to Lebanon
His Majesty Jordan’s King Abdullah congratulated Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on gaining the confidence of Lebanon’s parliament, which elected him as president, wishing him success and the Lebanese people continued progress and prosperity. In his message to President Aoun, His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s support for Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the deep-rooted bilateral relations and a desire to expand cooperation while maintaining coordination in the interest of mutual benefits and Arab unity, as stated by the Royal Court.
Qatar’s support and hopes
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, the Emir of Qatar, posted on his X account: “I congratulate His Excellency Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun on his election as the new president of the Republic, and to the brotherly Lebanese people. We hope that this step marks the beginning of a new phase of stability and prosperity. Qatar will always remain supportive of Lebanon and its people in their journey toward a bright future.”
Kuwait’s warm wishes
His Highness Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected President of the Republic of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun. In his message, His Highness offered heartfelt congratulations on Aoun’s election, wishing him success in serving the nation’s interests and ensuring its stability. He also expressed hopes for Lebanon’s ongoing growth, progress, and prosperity, while underscoring the historic and distinguished relations between Kuwait and Lebanon, affirming his commitment to strengthening these ties and enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Egypt’s support for Aoun
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also extended his congratulations to Lebanon’s newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, expressing his eagerness to meet soon to discuss ways to bolster bilateral cooperation.
During a phone conversation, El-Sisi expressed confidence in Aoun’s capacity to guide Lebanon through the critical challenges facing the country and the region, emphasizing Egypt’s belief in his leadership to fulfill the aspirations of the Lebanese people, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. El-Sisi reiterated Cairo’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, affirming Egypt’s readiness to assist Lebanon in overcoming its challenges and embarking on a new era of security and stability. Aoun, for his part, expressed gratitude for Egypt’s longstanding support for Lebanon and its people, highlighting the historical and fraternal ties between the two nations, while reaffirming his commitment to strengthening these enduring relations.
Iran’s congratulations
Iran’s embassy also conveyed its congratulations and expressed a desire to collaborate with Lebanon “in a way that serves the common interests of our countries.”
