Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call on Thursday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which both sides discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and advancing broader stability in Lebanon, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency.

Aoun expressed his appreciation to Rubio for what he described as Washington’s efforts to broker a ceasefire agreement and for U.S. support to Lebanon “at all levels,” the statement said.

For his part, Rubio said the United States would continue its efforts to reach a ceasefire as a first step toward achieving peace, security, and stability in Lebanon. He also voiced support for President Aoun’s positions and said he appreciated his approach, according to the presidency.

The call came amid earlier media reports suggesting that diplomatic efforts were underway to arrange a trilateral phone conversation involving President Aoun, Rubio, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanayhu. 

Meanwhile, Lebanese broadcaster LBCI reported that Aoun told Rubio he would not hold a phone call with Netanyahu.

Those reports indicated that such a call, if held, would focus on securing a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and launching a reciprocal process of steps by both sides aimed at reaching a broader agreement.