The President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine An. Tassoulas, received today at the Presidential Mansion the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Joseph Aoun, who is on a working visit to Greece.
Mr. Tassoulas referred to the close and long-standing ties of friendship that connect Greece and Lebanon, two countries with deep historical and cultural roots and strong ties between their peoples, and emphasized that President Aoun’s visit signals the shared will to further strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation.
He made special mention of the Greek Orthodox community in Lebanon and the Patriarchate of Antioch, which serve as a historic bridge between peoples and a living part of the shared cultural heritage.
In addition, he referred to Greece’s support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of Lebanon, while expressing his personal appreciation for President Aoun’s efforts, during a particularly demanding juncture, to strengthen the state and its institutions, as well as to promote unity, security, peace and stability in Lebanon which has endured enormous trials, but also in the wider region.
The President highlighted the bilateral humanitarian aid and continued support that our country provides to Lebanon and relatedly reminded that, two days ago was delivered, in the port of Beirut, the second part of the Greek military aid package to Lebanon.
Furthermore, he emphasized the commitment of the two countries to the principles of the United Nations Charter, the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, international law and the peaceful resolution of disputes, principles that acquire even greater significance during a period of instability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
In this context, he referred to the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, with emphasis on recent Turkish provocative actions.
Referring to Greece’s support for Lebanon within the framework of the EU, he underlined our country’s intention to seek the strengthening of Lebanon’s relations with the EU during the Greek Presidency of the European Council in 2027.
For his part, the President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, expressed his gratitude to the Greek people and the government for their continued support of his country.
In particular, he expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian and military aid provided, as well as for Greece’s supportive stance within the EU.
He emphasized that his visit to our country is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation for the benefit of both peoples.
He stressed that achieving stability in Lebanon is essential not only for the country’s own prosperity, but also for Europe and the wider region.
Referring to the Israel-Lebanon Framework Agreement mediated by the U.S., he noted that it aims to end hostilities between the two countries through the peaceful resolution of their differences and added that it must be fully implemented by both sides.
Furthermore, he stressed that Lebanon seeks to maintain good relations with all of its neighboring countries.
Finally, he once again expressed his gratitude for Greece’s assistance and support and expressed his hope that other bilateral meetings would follow in the future.
