NNA - President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon believes diplomacy offers the best path to resolving outstanding disputes, stressing that the country seeks peace, an end to the state of hostility with Israel and the best possible relations with its neighbors.
Aoun made the remarks during a summit meeting with Greek President Constantine Tassoulas at the Presidential Palace in Athens, where the two leaders discussed Lebanese-Greek relations, regional stability, Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel and ways Greece could support Beirut within the European Union and international forums.
Aoun said the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship could not be implemented by one side alone.
"It must be implemented by both sides, not selectively, but in full," he said, asking Greece to assist in efforts to ensure its implementation.
The president also stressed that Lebanon’s stability was essential to the stability of Greece and Europe, warning that instability in Lebanon would have wider regional repercussions.
He said Lebanon had suffered heavily from war, citing more than 4,300 deaths, over 12,000 wounded and the destruction of around 70 villages.
"Solving the problem through military force has not and will not succeed," Aoun said. "Lebanon has lived through the tragedies of wars, and the time has come for it to rest. The best solution to the existing problems is diplomacy."
He added: "We are advocates of peace and are determined to end the state of hostility with Israel and to have the best relations with our neighbors."
For his part, Tassoulas said Greece stood alongside Aoun in efforts to build peace and consolidate an independent Lebanon.
He said Athens would do everything possible during its presidency of the European Union, beginning in January 2027, to deepen and strengthen relations between Lebanon and the EU.
Addressing Aoun, Tassoulas said Greece was fully aware of the heavy responsibility he bore in leading Lebanon, expressing confidence that he would guide the country to safety despite having assumed office under extremely difficult and sensitive circumstances.
The Greek president said Lebanon and Greece shared historic Mediterranean ties and a commitment to international law, UN principles and peaceful solutions.
He referred to Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel, saying their aim was to help Lebanon achieve independence, prosperity and peace through implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
"We know from your previous contacts that you are making major efforts to achieve this," Tassoulas said. "Greece stands by you in building peace and consolidating an independent Lebanon."
He also highlighted the presence of the Lebanese community in Greece and the Orthodox community in Lebanon, as well as the historic role of the Antiochian Patriarchate, saying these factors further strengthened bilateral ties.
Tassoulas also cited the arrival in Beirut two days earlier of a ship carrying Greek military assistance to Lebanon as evidence of the depth of bilateral relations, pledging that Greece would continue supporting Lebanon and its independence, stability and prosperity.
Aoun thanked Tassoulas, the Greek government and people for their longstanding political, humanitarian and military support for Lebanon.
He said the main purpose of his visit was to develop bilateral relations across all fields in the interests of both countries, adding that Lebanon looked to Greece as a friend and partner with shared interests, particularly within the EU and international organizations.
Following the talks, Aoun signed the Presidential Palace’s Golden Book, writing that the historic friendship between Lebanon and Greece was rooted in a shared Mediterranean heritage and a common commitment to peace, dialogue and cooperation.
Aoun and the accompanying Lebanese delegation then departed for the Greek Prime Minister’s office at Maximos Mansion.
