Morkos on the Aoun-Trump meeting: A historic summit that cemented recognition of Lebanon’s sovereignty and opened the door to U.S. support

Information Minister Paul Morkos affirmed that the summit bringing together President Joseph Aoun and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington marked a pivotal moment in Lebanese-American relations, describing it as “historic” as it was the first meeting at this level between a Lebanese president and a U.S. president in nearly two decades.

Morkos explained in remarks to Al Hadath channel that the meeting carried important political implications, noting that it “constituted an official and practical American recognition of Lebanon’s national decision tied to its sovereignty over its land and its negotiating position.”

He pointed out that the warm reception given to President Aoun, in addition to the length of the meeting, which exceeded an hour, reflects the importance of the current phase, stressing that the political positions were accompanied by practical steps, most notably U.S. support for the deployment of the Lebanese Army in tandem with the start of the Israeli withdrawal from areas being agreed upon gradually.

Morkos indicated that the summit’s outcomes go beyond the issue of the military institution to include American openness to supporting investments in Lebanon, the possibility of reconsidering the decision to suspend direct flights to Beirut, and backing for the reform process, expressing hope that these positions would translate into tangible executive measures.

He affirmed that President Aoun’s visit to Washington was based on clear constants, foremost among them the demand for a full Israeli withdrawal, an end to attacks, and enabling the Lebanese Army to impose its authority over all Lebanese territory with support from the United States and the international community.

The information minister stressed that President Aoun’s renewed confidence in the army’s leadership and personnel carries an important message affirming the standing of the military institution and its essential role in protecting security and stability.

Morkos explained that the presidential move toward the United States came in line with the Lebanese Constitution and the principle of restoring national sovereignty, noting that President Aoun acted on the basis of his constitutional oath and his commitment to sovereign principles.

Regarding the domestic controversy surrounding the visit, particularly the objections raised by some political forces, Morkos affirmed that debate in a democratic system is a legitimate right, calling for the preservation of freedom of expression while rejecting hate speech and respecting everyone’s rights and dignity.

On the situation on the ground in the south, Morkos described the deployment of the Lebanese Army and the partial Israeli withdrawals as delicate and sensitive stages, stressing that they constitute foundational steps toward reaching the ultimate goal of a full Israeli withdrawal beyond Lebanon’s borders.

He concluded by emphasizing that there is official consensus, at the level of the presidency and the government, on adhering to the demand for a full withdrawal, a position that is continuously expressed within the Cabinet and ministerial meetings.