Lebanon new President Aoun continues to receive congratulatory messages from Arab nations

Lebanon’s new President, Joseph Aoun, continued to receive congratulatory messages from several Arab countries on Thursday, with leaders describing his election as the main path to consolidating stability and strengthening institutions in the country, Anadolu Agency reports.

Aoun was elected President after securing 99 votes during a second round of voting in the 128-seat parliament.

His election ended over two years of political vacuum in Lebanon since Michel Aoun left office in October 2022.

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of congratulations to Aoun, offering his “best wishes for success and prosperity to the Lebanese President and the brotherly people of Lebanon,” the Saudi state news agency, SPA, reported.

His Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, also sent a similar cable, wishing “success and advancement for the Lebanese President and the Lebanese people.”

Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, for his part, congratulated Lebanon on the completion of its presidential election.

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“We wish President Aoun success in his important duties,” he said on his X account, adding that this step was “on the path to consolidating stability and strengthening the state of institutions.”

Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdullah II sent Aoun a message congratulating him on his election as President of Lebanon.

The message conveyed “heartfelt congratulations and sincere brotherly sentiments on this occasion,” according to a statement issued by the Royal Court.

Abdullah expressed his best wishes for Aoun, hoping that he would succeed in serving Lebanon, promoting its progress and development and ensuring the prosperity of its people.

Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, also sent a congratulatory message to Aoun, expressing Palestine’s desire to strengthen “brotherly relations and cooperation” with Lebanon, its government and its people, according to the Palestinian official news agency, Wafa.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement congratulating the Lebanese parliament on the election of Aoun and wishing the new President success in his duties.The statement also highlighted Qatar’s hope for further development in bilateral relations between the two nations.

Qatar expressed optimism that the resolution of Lebanon’s presidential position would contribute to the country’s security and stability, as well as help the Lebanese people achieve their goals of progress, development and prosperity.

Aoun, who has led the Lebanese army since 2017, became the fifth army commander in Lebanon’s history to ascend to the presidency, the fourth in a row, and the 14th president overall.

The President’s term lasts six years, with no re-election allowed until six years after the end of his mandate.

The President plays a key role in signing laws and appointing the Prime Minister in consultation with parliament.

According to the Lebanese Constitution, the President must be a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim and the Parliamentary Speaker a Shia Muslim.

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