Lebanese president visits Washington for talks with Trump

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on strengthening the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and advancing efforts to restore stability in the region.

According to a statement from the Lebanese presidency, the leaders are expected to discuss measures to reinforce the ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas they continue to control in southern Lebanon, and extending the Lebanese state's authority across the country's entire territory, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

The White House meeting follows the sixth round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations, held in Rome on July 14–15. During the talks, the two sides reportedly agreed to establish the first "pilot zone" on both sides of the Litani River, where units of the Lebanese Armed Forces would be deployed after Israeli troops withdraw from the area.

The discussions build on a framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26 after five rounds of U.S.-mediated consultations in Washington. Under the agreement, Lebanon committed to gradually reestablishing effective sovereign control over its entire territory, while Israel agreed to withdraw its forces from areas under its control in southern Lebanon.

The meeting between Aoun and Trump is expected to focus on implementing those commitments and maintaining progress toward long-term stability along the Lebanon-Israel border.

By Sabina Mammadli