Aoun urges diaspora to invest and vote
9/25/2025 11:13:50 AM
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his confidence in Lebanon’s diaspora, stressing that “Lebanese abroad will never abandon their homeland, but will stand by the state in its recovery.” He underlined that Lebanon does not seek “charity, aid, or grants, but rather investments,” urging expatriates to play a central role in rebuilding the country.
Speaking at a reception hosted by Lebanon’s Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN at the Union League Club, Aoun called on Lebanese abroad to participate in the next parliamentary elections: “Your vote is not just a ballot; it is hope for a better future. It is a vote for change, and a sacred responsibility you must uphold.”
The event gathered members of the Lebanese-American community from across the United States, with speeches by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi highlighting the enduring ties between Lebanon and its diaspora.
Aoun also reviewed the government’s reform track, citing the adoption of the 2026 budget within constitutional deadlines, judicial and diplomatic appointments, regulatory authority formations, and efforts to tackle corruption. He noted that more than 1.7 million visitors had entered Lebanon this summer, signaling renewed confidence in the country.
Later at his New York residence, Aoun met FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who gifted him the official ball of the 2026 World Cup and invited him to attend the opening match in Mexico. Infantino, accompanied by his Lebanese wife Lina and senior FIFA officials, discussed prospects for hosting a major football event in Lebanon. Aoun praised Infantino’s leadership of world football and welcomed the idea, noting Lebanon’s growing football scene and international talent.
Separately, Lebanon assumed the rotating presidency of the UN General Assembly, with Ambassador Ahmad Arafa presiding over its sessions in a gesture of recognition for the country.
Speaking at a reception hosted by Lebanon’s Embassy in Washington and its Permanent Mission to the UN at the Union League Club, Aoun called on Lebanese abroad to participate in the next parliamentary elections: “Your vote is not just a ballot; it is hope for a better future. It is a vote for change, and a sacred responsibility you must uphold.”
The event gathered members of the Lebanese-American community from across the United States, with speeches by Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi highlighting the enduring ties between Lebanon and its diaspora.
Aoun also reviewed the government’s reform track, citing the adoption of the 2026 budget within constitutional deadlines, judicial and diplomatic appointments, regulatory authority formations, and efforts to tackle corruption. He noted that more than 1.7 million visitors had entered Lebanon this summer, signaling renewed confidence in the country.
Later at his New York residence, Aoun met FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who gifted him the official ball of the 2026 World Cup and invited him to attend the opening match in Mexico. Infantino, accompanied by his Lebanese wife Lina and senior FIFA officials, discussed prospects for hosting a major football event in Lebanon. Aoun praised Infantino’s leadership of world football and welcomed the idea, noting Lebanon’s growing football scene and international talent.
Separately, Lebanon assumed the rotating presidency of the UN General Assembly, with Ambassador Ahmad Arafa presiding over its sessions in a gesture of recognition for the country.