MP Elias Hankach said a recent visit by a delegation of lawmakers to Washington marked a pivotal moment in rekindling confidence in Lebanon among both the Lebanese diaspora and U.S. officials, amid signs of reform and efforts to restore stability.

The trip, which included participation in the annual dinner of the American Task Force for Lebanon, brought together more than 500 members of the Lebanese-American community, as well as U.S. officials and members of Congress. Speaking to Voice of Lebanon radio, Hankach said the visit provided a platform to present a renewed image of Lebanon, one rooted in reform and potential.

“The annual dinner of the American Task Force for Lebanon was a significant event that gathered hundreds of Lebanese from across the U.S., alongside American lawmakers and officials. We were able to speak with the Lebanese community here about the hope that still exists in Lebanon and the changing perception of the country, particularly as the reform process gains traction.”

According to Hankach, a televised address by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was a highlight of the dinner. In his message, the president outlined Lebanon’s progress on critical issues, including the monopoly of arms and institutional reforms.

“The president’s speech gave Lebanese citizens renewed hope,” Hankach said. “It also helped shift the way Americans view Lebanon, especially in the context of possible investment in future development projects.”

U.S. officials also weighed in. Morgan Ortagus, Deputy U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, delivered a keynote address emphasizing Washington’s interest in Lebanon’s economic recovery and political reform.

“Ortagus stressed the importance the U.S. places on Lebanon’s economic stability and reiterated the longstanding American position on the exclusive authority of the state over arms,” Hankach said. “She also addressed security and sovereignty issues in detail, reflecting a continued U.S. commitment to a stable Lebanon.”

In addition to this event, the Lebanese delegation held meetings with U.S. administration officials and visited the Lebanese Embassy in Washington, where they met with members of the local Lebanese community.

“We had candid discussions about our day-to-day realities in Lebanon, aiming to restore confidence in the country’s governance,” Hankach said. “Through a series of meetings focused on financial and economic files, we reaffirmed that Lebanon is on the right track towards stability, productivity, and ultimately, recovery.”

The delegation concluded its visit on a hopeful note, with Hankach expressing optimism that recent momentum would yield tangible progress in the coming weeks and months.

“As we wrap up this visit, we are more convinced than ever that Lebanon is moving in the right direction,” he said. “Our goal now is to ensure this trajectory continues and translates into real, measurable change.”