Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan affirmed his country's continued support for Lebanon on both humanitarian and institutional levels, expressing Turkey's readiness to contribute to the reconstruction of southern Lebanon. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in turn, emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this came during a joint press conference held by the two presidents at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, following bilateral talks held as part of Aoun's first official visit to Turkey since assuming the Lebanese presidency in early 2015.

Erdogan stated that Turkey will continue to provide support to enhance Lebanon's institutional capacities, in addition to its ongoing humanitarian and technical assistance. He affirmed his country's desire to be part of all initiatives aimed at guaranteeing Lebanon's sovereignty after the withdrawal of the current international force.

He added that Turkey is closely monitoring diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending Israeli aggression and occupation, and reiterated its readiness to provide all forms of support for the reconstruction of southern Lebanon following the Israeli attacks.

For his part, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said: 'The Lebanese-Turkish partnership should be part of shaping the future, not a spectator to it,' stressing that his visit to Turkey reflects the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and the shared will to enhance cooperation in a way that contributes to the stability of the region.

Aoun expressed his appreciation for Turkey's commitment to supporting the Lebanese army and its participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and his hope that this support would continue. He commended Turkey for standing by Lebanon during its most difficult moments and at every juncture when Lebanon needed a friend.

He said he looked forward to this visit marking "a starting point for a new phase in Lebanese-Turkish relations, one befitting the history of our two countries and responding to the aspirations of our two peoples."

Erdogan had received his Lebanese counterpart at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, where an official welcoming ceremony was held, including the playing of the national anthems and a 21-gun salute. The two presidents then reviewed the guard of honor and held bilateral talks, followed by a joint press conference.

Several Turkish officials participated in the ceremony, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Chairman of the Turkish-Lebanese Parliamentary Friendship Group Mehmet Sait Yaz, and Director of Communications Burhanettin Duran, among others.