President Joseph Aoun assured on Thursday that Lebanon is intensifying efforts to pressure Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon by February 18, as initially agreed upon. He stated that ongoing contacts with key international players, notably the United States and France, are aimed at securing a resolution to the matter.

In remarks made during a meeting at Baabda Palace with a delegation from Lebanon’s Press Syndicate, the president emphasized the country’s desire to regain international trust and encourage investment from Arab and Gulf nations. He noted that Lebanon's recovery relies on rebuilding confidence in the nation’s economic potential.

“We want to regain the trust of nations and encourage our Arab and Gulf brothers to invest in Lebanon,” Aoun said, highlighting the crucial role of foreign investment in revitalizing the nation’s economy.

The president also addressed the significant role of the media in shaping Lebanon’s future.

"The media can either be constructive or destructive, and it is up to journalists to decide," Aoun emphasized, urging the press to contribute positively to Lebanon’s recovery by offering constructive criticism rather than inflammatory or biased remarks.

“Criticize us if we make mistakes, but let your criticism be constructive without bias. Constructive criticism helps correct performance,” Aoun added, underscoring the importance of accountability in governance.

“I want to leave office after six years with a clear conscience,” he stated, expressing his desire for a legacy of responsibility and transparency.

The president’s remarks came during a meeting with the Press Syndicate, where Al-Kaaki and his delegation congratulated Aoun on his election as president. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the media’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s political and economic trajectory.

Moreover, a Hezbollah delegation, led by MP Mohammad Raad, extended an invitation to President Aoun to attend the funeral of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine. Hezbollah representatives have been reaching out to Lebanon's political leaders and party heads to invite them to the funeral, which is scheduled for February 23 at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium.