Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced Wednesday that his planned trip to Washington is designed to push forward efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Lebanon and Israel through diplomatic negotiations. He expressed optimism that discussions with President Donald Trump would lead to meaningful results.
In a statement released by the Lebanese presidency, Aoun said, “I expect that my upcoming visit to Washington and my meeting with US President Donald Trump will bring positive outcomes for Lebanon … to find a permanent solution to the cycle of wars and Israeli attacks on our country.”
Aoun described the goal of the negotiations as stopping Israeli military operations in Lebanon and bringing an end to what he referred to as the “Israeli occupation.” He also noted that most Lebanese citizens are in favor of pursuing a negotiated resolution.
American officials confirmed Tuesday that Aoun will travel to the White House on July 21. The visit will be his first official trip to Washington since he assumed the presidency.
The announcement comes as diplomatic activity between Israel and Lebanon continues to build. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated Tuesday that the next round of talks between the two countries is set to be held in Rome next week.
The most recent round of negotiations took place in Washington in late June and wrapped up with a framework agreement aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire and easing tensions along the border shared by Lebanon and Israel.
