Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on July 21 for talks on bilateral relations and Lebanon’s security and economic situation, a senior Lebanese official said.
The official said the meeting would also cover direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and the implementation of a US-backed framework agreement.
Discussions were expected to focus on strengthening the ceasefire and advancing Israel’s phased withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.
The official said Washington, as mediator, was in a position to pressure Israel to move forward with the deal.
Support for the Lebanese Armed Forces was also expected to feature prominently, particularly in areas designated for the initial phase of the agreement.
The two leaders were also likely to discuss Lebanon’s economic difficulties and possible international assistance.
Another issue on the agenda was the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, whose mandate expires this year and whose gradual withdrawal is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Aoun’s visit followed the latest round of US-sponsored Lebanese-Israeli talks in Rome and came weeks after Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the framework agreement on June 26.