Ankara: Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun arrived in Ankara this afternoon, marking his first official visit to Turkey. Leading an official delegation, he was welcomed at the airport by Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar. Aoun is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later today.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, President Aoun emphasized the potential for expanded cooperation between Lebanon and Turkey. He highlighted Turkey's significant role in supporting Lebanon's economic recovery, implementing the framework agreement, and bolstering stability in southern Lebanon. Aoun noted that Turkey's strategic position in the region makes coordination with it essential for Lebanon. He expressed his country's interest in deepening ties with Ankara in political, economic, and security arenas, supporting Lebanese institutions like the army, and exploring new collaborations on border stability and combating the illicit arms trade.

Discussing the framework agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv, signed under US auspices, Aoun mentioned Turkey's NATO membership and its broad regional connections as factors enabling it to support the agreement's international promotion. He urged Turkey to encourage adherence to the agreement's terms, stressing Lebanon's commitment to its implementation. However, he insisted that its success hinges on a complete Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese army, an end to violations and attacks, and an effective international mechanism to ensure compliance by all parties.

Aoun called for Turkey's political and diplomatic support to ensure the agreement's success and prevent it from being only partially implemented. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to solidify stability and avert any security vacuum in southern Lebanon.