German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began his visit to Lebanon on Monday with a bilateral meeting at Baabda Palace with President Joseph Aoun, followed by a broader session with his accompanying delegation.

During the reception, President Aoun welcomed Steinmeier warmly and recalled the German leader’s previous visit to Lebanon eight years ago.

“You were the first German head of state to set foot in the land of the Cedars in nearly 120 years,” Aoun said during a joint press conference with Steinmeier. “We remember it clearly, not just for your presence, but for the words you spoke to us, and to the world, that remain unforgettable.”

Aoun highlighted several key statements from Steinmeier’s earlier visit.

“You told us, ‘I believe Beirut is a place where dialogue can succeed. It is a city of hope and inspiration.’ And we share that belief,” he said, recalling Steinmeier’s praise for the resilience of the Lebanese people. “You also noted how Lebanese have turned painful experiences into a principle of survival and mutual respect. That is the secret of our endurance. We continue to uphold that secret, and we remain committed to survival.”

Reflecting on the German president’s thoughts on peace, Aoun added: “You said, ‘Peace cannot be achieved by insisting on absolute conditions, but by letting go of them.’ Today, we stand with you in insisting on true peace, rejecting any conditions other than justice and the common good.”

“Eight years ago, you observed that Lebanese have repeatedly been forced to endure violent conflicts that were not their own, and to bear the burdens of others. Today, on behalf of all Lebanese, I say we can no longer bear anyone’s conflicts or burdens. Our focus is the welfare of our people, the prosperity of our homeland, and the future of our children.”

The president emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to learning from Germany’s modern history.

“We have seen that even the most united nations can fall victim to division under occupation. True unity comes only from full independence and the state’s full authority over its territory. Just as the liberation of all land is essential for sovereignty, the consolidation of power is essential for the unity of the state.”

“We also learn that the worst destruction and consequences of war can be overcome by a free, unified national will determined to rebuild what was lost. War destroyed Germany, yet the German people rebuilt it into a nation of innovation, civilization, and prosperity, all achieved under exceptional circumstances and in a remarkably short time.”

Aoun cautioned against foreign interference, noting that “outside control and foreign interests often try to erect walls of division, separation, and oppression among a people to assert control. But your history shows that a nation’s awareness of its identity, its history, and its higher interests can steadily tear down such walls.”

Concluding his remarks, Aoun said: “Mr. President, dear friend of Lebanon, I hope you continue to speak to the world about us, our people, and our country. Our promise to you and the world is to learn from both our experiences and yours; to put Lebanon’s interests first, to ensure the welfare of our people, and to secure peace in our region. We will achieve this by ending all occupation and external control, relying on our armed forces, rebuilding what has been destroyed through our own will and resources, with support from friends, and dismantling every wall of hatred erected over the years—always for the freedom of our nation and the prosperity of our people.”

For his part, Steinmeier reaffirmed Germany’s support for Lebanon, emphasizing backing for the Lebanese army, the country’s sovereignty, and the ongoing UN peacekeeping mission.

“I love Lebanon and find it remarkable,” Steinmeier said. “I’ve long felt a connection to this country, especially given its history of conflict. I visited several times, including in 2006, and I still remember how much the people of Beirut suffered. I want to be very clear: Germany stands with the Lebanese army, and our support will continue even after our UNIFIL mission ends.”

Steinmeier highlighted Germany’s role in Lebanon’s security and development efforts.

“Germany has been a key partner for Lebanon. We have been deeply involved with UNIFIL and have worked to help Lebanon strengthen its security under very challenging circumstances,” he said.

The German president stressed the need for reforms and rebuilding trust in State institutions.

“Everyone understands the importance of reforms, restoring citizens’ confidence, and maintaining trust among international partners. Germany has supported Lebanon’s development and economic cooperation, and we will continue to stand by you,” he said.

He also noted that regional stability is crucial for Lebanon’s internal peace.

“A strong, effective state is essential to protect citizens and withstand external pressures,” Steinmeier said, praising Lebanon for hosting large numbers of Syrian and Palestinian refugees.

Addressing President Aoun directly, he thanked Lebanon for its transparency and leadership.

“Thank you for your friendship and openness. You have shared your plans with us and explained how you intend to guide Lebanon through this severe economic crisis,” Steinmeier said. “Germany is proud to assist you. Peace and stability are exactly what Lebanon needs, and we thank you for maintaining the ceasefire with Israel.”

Steinmeier called on both Lebanon and Israel to uphold the ceasefire and urged Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon. He also emphasized the need to disarm Hezbollah.

“Disarming Hezbollah must move forward without delay,” he said. “The obligations of Lebanon and Israel are closely linked, and Hezbollah’s disarmament is essential to fulfilling the agreement. We recognize this is a complex and serious challenge, and we have supported the Lebanese army from the outset.”

He stressed that German support would continue beyond the UNIFIL mission.

“The end of the UNIFIL mission does not mean the end of our support. Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability remain crucial. Sustained effort is required, and we must strengthen the backbone of stability, namely the Lebanese Armed Forces, even after UNIFIL concludes. This process has already started through cooperation between the Lebanese army and the German navy,” Steinmeier said.

“Lebanon and Israel must maintain the ceasefire. I tell the same in Israel: permanent occupation of Lebanese territory is unacceptable and must end. Our federal government has made this very clear," he concluded.