Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday hailed the country’s expatriate community as a critical lifeline during years of political and economic collapse, calling on the diaspora to shift from financial support to active economic partnership in rebuilding the nation.

Speaking at the opening of the 4th Expatriate Economic Conference, Aoun said Lebanon's economic survival amid multiple crises was largely thanks to the steadfast support of Lebanese abroad, whose financial remittances kept the country afloat.

"Since the start of the crisis, only one artery remained open: the Lebanese expatriate," Aoun said. "This proves that the diaspora has never been distant from Lebanon. On the contrary, it has always been our support and our hope."

Aoun called for a new framework that moves beyond traditional remittances, urging Lebanese abroad to become investors, knowledge providers, and full partners in decision-making and national development.

“We don’t just need financial support, we need a real partnership,” he said. “We want the expatriate to be an investor, a source of knowledge, and a partner in planning and policymaking.”

Aoun emphasized the need to reposition Lebanon within a transforming regional economy, pointing to massive investment flows in energy, green development, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.

“Our region is undergoing profound shifts,” he said. “We must ensure that Lebanon becomes part of this transformation, and that Lebanese expatriates are present in reconstruction and major projects across the region.”

He said Lebanon’s creative and capable youth could be key players in this transition, provided they are given the right opportunities.

“We, as Lebanese, have human capital that is both talented and innovative,” he said. “Our young men and women, if given the chance, can be central to this transformation.”

Aoun stressed the urgency of implementing a serious economic diplomacy strategy that would open doors for Lebanese professionals and investors — both abroad and at home.

“We want to create opportunities here,” he added. “We want to give hope to every young man and woman looking for a future worthy of their ambition, one that allows them to stay in their country.”

Acknowledging the difficulty of the road ahead, Aoun said the government had already embarked on a series of reforms aimed at restoring trust and rebuilding the foundations of the economy.

“Reform has begun,” he said. “We are pressing ahead with a number of key laws, some of which have been passed and are now being implemented, while others are in preparation.”

He listed a series of legislative priorities, including:

• A law on free economic zones for the tech sector;

• A banking sector restructuring law to address financial shortfalls and lift banking secrecy;

• A public-private partnership (PPP) law;

• A law on judicial independence.

“These structural reforms aim to create a transparent, stable, and secure environment that protects investors and restores confidence in Lebanon,” Aoun said.

Aoun described the conference as more than an economic summit, praising it as a "moment of reconnection" between “resident Lebanon” and “diaspora Lebanon.”

“This is a chance for us to rebuild new partnerships not only among ourselves but with our Arab brothers and international friends,” he said.

He thanked the Lebanese abroad for their loyalty and unwavering support, calling their presence a source of “gratitude and hope.”

“You came from across the world to say: ‘We are with Lebanon,’” he told participants. “You’ve never been far, not in spirit and not in action.”

“Together, let’s put Lebanon back on the map, not just as a country in crisis, but as a country with potential, purpose, and pride,” Aoun urged.