Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concluded a two-day official visit to the Sultanate of Oman, where he met with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and addressing regional challenges.

The visit, held from December 9 to 10, underscored the longstanding fraternal ties between Lebanon and Oman, their leaderships, and their peoples. In a joint statement issued after the talks, the two countries emphasized their commitment to strengthening political, economic, investment, banking, tourism, transport, and logistics cooperation to benefit both nations.

During discussions, the leaders praised the constructive role of the Lebanese community in Oman and called for early preparations for the first session of the Omani-Lebanese Joint Committee, to be chaired by the respective foreign ministers in Muscat. They also agreed to pursue new agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at broadening bilateral cooperation, supporting trade, cultural, and scientific exchanges, and involving the private sector more actively in development and partnership opportunities.

The statement addressed regional developments, expressing deep concern over ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory and the occupation of Arab lands, calling the actions “clear violations” of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and international law. Both sides called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese and Arab territories, and supported international efforts to prevent escalation, stabilize the region, and facilitate the return of displaced persons and reconstruction.

Oman reaffirmed its full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as for strengthening Lebanese state institutions, including the Lebanese Army and legitimate security forces, and for the economic, financial, and administrative reforms being led by the Lebanese leadership.

The leaders also reiterated the Arab position on ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They stressed the importance of reinforcing Arab solidarity, respecting the sovereignty of states, and upholding good-neighborly relations and international law.

President Aoun expressed his deep gratitude to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Omani government, and the people of Oman for their warm hospitality, wishing the Sultanate continued progress and prosperity under its wise leadership.