Ankara and Beirut share “deep-rooted ties,” said Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday, adding that there is a “strong” drive to work together to serve both nations’ interests.
“There is a strong will to cooperate in ways that serve the interests of both countries and contribute to regional stability,” Aoun told a joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Turkish capital Ankara.
Aoun praised Erdogan’s vision and steadfast commitment to strengthening Türkiye-Lebanon relations.
Aoun said discussions are continuing over a possible international force to replace the UN force in southern Lebanon, with proposals including European, Turkish, NATO-backed, Arab, and Islamic participation. He said Lebanon’s priority is preventing a power vacuum and ensuring that any new force supports the Lebanese army, safeguards stability, and respects national sovereignty.
