Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden extended his congratulations to President Joseph Aoun on his election as Lebanon’s new leader, describing it as a pivotal moment for the country as it seeks to recover from years of conflict and crisis.

In a statement released by the White House, Biden highlighted the significance of this development, noting that it comes just six weeks after the United States brokered an end to hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel.

“President Aoun’s election comes at a critical time,” Biden stated. “He will provide essential leadership as Lebanon and Israel fully implement the cessation of hostilities, enabling hundreds of thousands of people to return to their homes and facilitating Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction.”

Expressing his confidence in Aoun’s ability to lead, Biden emphasized that the new president is “the right leader for this time.”

The statement also underscored the struggles faced by the Lebanese people over the past two years, including the devastation of war, an ongoing financial crisis, and a prolonged absence of national leadership.

“Now, through their elected parliamentarians, the people of Lebanon have exercised their democratic right to choose their own future,” Biden said. “They have chosen a path aligned with peace, security, sovereignty, and reconstruction, in partnership with the international community.”

Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Lebanon in its efforts to rebuild and move forward. “The United States will stand with Lebanon as they walk this path,” he concluded.