President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, met on Friday with U.S. Deputy Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, at Baabda Palace. 

During a press conference after the meeting, Ortagus emphasized, "I'm just so grateful to President Aoun and the entire government for having me here. This is a beautiful country. It's an amazing people."

She noted growing optimism about Lebanon's future, stating, "I've never seen so much excitement in the United States and from the Lebanese diaspora around the world about the future of this country. And I think it is largely in part, of course, because Hezbollah was defeated."

Ortagus also praised Lebanese leaders for their commitment to reform and anti-corruption efforts. 

"It is thanks to President Aoun and the Prime Minister-designate, Nawaf Salam, and everyone in this government who is committed to an end of corruption, who is committed to reforms, and who are committed to making sure that Hezbollah is not a part of this government in any form, and that Hezbollah remains disarmed and militarily defeated," she said.

She linked the pressure on Hezbollah to broader U.S. efforts to counter Iran's influence in the region. 

"That, of course, starts with the pressure that President [Donald] Trump is now placing on the Islamic Republic of Iran so that they can no longer fund their terror proxies through the region," Ortagus stated, reaffirming Washington's stance against Iran's regional activities and nuclear ambitions.

Reiterating the U.S. commitment to Lebanon, Ortagus emphasized the country's potential. 

"I think it's really important for the Lebanese people to know that I'm committed to this country. The United States of America is committed to the friendship and partnership that we have with this new government," she said.

"You're a beautiful, sophisticated country that deserves to have the most impressive businessmen and women, the most impressive businesses, companies, and countries from around the world investing here," Ortagus added, expressing optimism about Lebanon's economic future.

She concluded on a hopeful note, stating, "We want to get Lebanon back to that place where it is the place and the hope of the Middle East, and I know we'll get there together."

For his part, Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun confirmed that the Lebanese army is ready to deploy in villages and towns from which Israeli forces will withdraw, ensuring that the withdrawal is completed by the set deadline of February 18.

Aoun stressed, "Israeli attacks must stop, including the killing of innocent civilians and soldiers, the destruction of homes, and the burning and clearing of agricultural lands."

He added, "Permanent stability in the south relies on the completion of Israel's withdrawal from the territories it occupied during the last war and the full implementation of Resolution 1701," including the terms of the ceasefire agreement."

He further emphasized, "The release of Lebanese detainees is an integral part of this agreement."

Aoun also highlighted that cooperation with international forces continues constructively to implement Resolution 1701, aiming to secure stability and gradually restore life to the liberated areas, which require a comprehensive plan and basic living conditions.

The president pointed out that consultations to form a new government are nearing completion, with the new government expected to be cohesive and capable of fulfilling the aspirations and hopes of the Lebanese people, as outlined in his inaugural speech.

Finally, President Aoun extended his greetings to U.S. President Donald Trump, thanking him for the ongoing support the United States provides to Lebanon across various sectors.