Türkiye congratulates Joseph Aoun as Lebanon’s new president

Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has congratulated Joseph Aoun on his election as Lebanon’s 14th president, following a prolonged political deadlock that lasted more than two years.

In a written statement issued Thursday, the Ministry expressed hope that the formation of the new government under Aoun’s leadership would contribute to Lebanon’s stability and bring positive changes to the broader region.

New phase for Lebanon’s leadership

The election of Aoun, the army chief who took office after an extended political crisis, is seen as a significant development in a region marked by turmoil and complex alliances.

Türkiye, a regional power with a vested interest in the stability of Lebanon, has long monitored the political situation closely, as it affects not only Lebanon’s future but also the balance of power in the Middle East.

“Lebanon’s stability is crucial for regional peace and prosperity,” the Ministry’s statement read, highlighting Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Lebanon as it navigates through its ongoing challenges.

The statement also conveyed hopes that Lebanon’s new leadership would contribute to fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the region.

Aoun, elected during a parliamentary session that followed months of deadlock and failed attempts to choose a president, is widely seen as a leader with the potential to stabilize Lebanon amid its economic collapse and fragile security situation.

His ability to unite Lebanon’s divided political landscape, particularly amidst tensions involving Hezbollah and its regional allies, has been a key factor in his rise to power.

Türkiye’s role in supporting stability in Lebanon

For Türkiye, the election of Aoun brings hope for greater stability along its borders. The country, which shares a long history of political and military engagement with Lebanon, views developments in Beirut with a critical eye, particularly given Lebanon’s role in the larger geopolitics of the Middle East.

The political deadlock in Lebanon had posed challenges not only for the Lebanese people but also for Türkiye, which maintains strong political, trade, and cultural ties with the country.

As the economic crisis in Lebanon deepened, the flow of refugees into Türkiye’s southern border regions increased, placing additional strain on Türkiye’s resources. Therefore, the election of a stable president in Lebanon is seen as vital for reducing the flow of displaced persons and mitigating further regional instability.

Joseph Aoun’s election has garnered international attention, with leaders from the United States, Russia, the European Union, and other Middle Eastern countries expressing their support for the new president.

While Türkiye’s focus remains on maintaining regional security and stability, it has also emphasized the importance of Lebanese reforms to address the economic crisis that continues to affect the country.