Aoun Urges Spain, EU to Apply Pressure on Israel
2/2/2026 1:25:00 PM
During his extended meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, President Joseph Aoun expressed his appreciation for Spain’s supportive positions toward Lebanon in all international and European forums, particularly for its support of the Lebanese Army through financial and in-kind assistance. He emphasized Lebanon’s interest in Madrid’s participation in the conference to support the Army and Internal Security Forces, scheduled to be held in Paris on March 5.
President Aoun also thanked Spain for condemning Israeli attacks on Lebanon, especially those targeting UNIFIL forces in 2024, noting Spain’s ongoing commitment and support for UNIFIL’s mission in the south. He highlighted that Spain’s contribution in southern Lebanon is the largest among peacekeeping operations worldwide. In this context, discussions covered Spain’s desire to maintain some of its military units in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s withdrawal in 2027, with deliberations ongoing with Italy and Austria on this matter.
President Aoun stressed Lebanon’s hope that Spain, in coordination with the European Union, will pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon and comply with the declared ceasefire and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He outlined the Lebanese Army’s achievements in southern Litani, including clearing areas of armed presence and reestablishing the sole authority of the state in these territories, in addition to its nationwide duties such as border protection, preventing smuggling and drug trafficking, and combating illegal migration. He noted the Army’s need for military equipment, vehicles, and supplies to fulfill all its missions.
The discussion also addressed the situation in the Middle East and the importance of advancing toward a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region, aiming for a solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative announced at the Beirut Summit in 2002.
The issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon was also discussed. President Aoun thanked Spain for providing humanitarian aid to refugees amounting to €1.4 million in 2024, and for hosting around 85 Syrian refugees from Lebanon in 2025. He expressed hope that Spain will continue supporting the voluntary return plan implemented by the Lebanese General Security, which has facilitated the return of about half a million refugees.
Prime Minister Sánchez stated that Spain will participate and be represented at the ministerial level at the conference to support the Army and Internal Security Forces in Paris on March 5. He expressed support for Lebanon’s position in implementing international resolutions and discussed the possibility of Spanish forces remaining in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mission ends. He highlighted Spain’s strong and continuous support since 2006, particularly through its contribution to UNIFIL and its broader commitment to Lebanon. Spain remains firmly committed to supporting Lebanon’s stability, including in a potential post-UNIFIL phase.
Sánchez also expressed interest in enhancing economic relations, stressing the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security and stability in the region, which he described as highly significant.
President Aoun signed a message in the Golden Book of the Spanish Government. After the talks, three memoranda of understanding were signed, with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi representing Lebanon in the presence of President Aoun and Prime Minister Sánchez:
- A memorandum on education and diplomatic training between the foreign ministries of both countries, aimed at enhancing cooperation between diplomatic institutes and academies and exchanging experiences and training programs.
- A memorandum on cooperation in the agricultural sector between the Lebanese and Spanish Ministries of Agriculture.
- A memorandum on cooperation between the Lebanese National Library and the Spanish National Library.
President Aoun also thanked Spain for condemning Israeli attacks on Lebanon, especially those targeting UNIFIL forces in 2024, noting Spain’s ongoing commitment and support for UNIFIL’s mission in the south. He highlighted that Spain’s contribution in southern Lebanon is the largest among peacekeeping operations worldwide. In this context, discussions covered Spain’s desire to maintain some of its military units in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s withdrawal in 2027, with deliberations ongoing with Italy and Austria on this matter.
President Aoun stressed Lebanon’s hope that Spain, in coordination with the European Union, will pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon and comply with the declared ceasefire and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He outlined the Lebanese Army’s achievements in southern Litani, including clearing areas of armed presence and reestablishing the sole authority of the state in these territories, in addition to its nationwide duties such as border protection, preventing smuggling and drug trafficking, and combating illegal migration. He noted the Army’s need for military equipment, vehicles, and supplies to fulfill all its missions.
The discussion also addressed the situation in the Middle East and the importance of advancing toward a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region, aiming for a solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative announced at the Beirut Summit in 2002.
The issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon was also discussed. President Aoun thanked Spain for providing humanitarian aid to refugees amounting to €1.4 million in 2024, and for hosting around 85 Syrian refugees from Lebanon in 2025. He expressed hope that Spain will continue supporting the voluntary return plan implemented by the Lebanese General Security, which has facilitated the return of about half a million refugees.
Prime Minister Sánchez stated that Spain will participate and be represented at the ministerial level at the conference to support the Army and Internal Security Forces in Paris on March 5. He expressed support for Lebanon’s position in implementing international resolutions and discussed the possibility of Spanish forces remaining in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL’s mission ends. He highlighted Spain’s strong and continuous support since 2006, particularly through its contribution to UNIFIL and its broader commitment to Lebanon. Spain remains firmly committed to supporting Lebanon’s stability, including in a potential post-UNIFIL phase.
Sánchez also expressed interest in enhancing economic relations, stressing the importance of preserving Lebanon’s security and stability in the region, which he described as highly significant.
President Aoun signed a message in the Golden Book of the Spanish Government. After the talks, three memoranda of understanding were signed, with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi representing Lebanon in the presence of President Aoun and Prime Minister Sánchez:
- A memorandum on education and diplomatic training between the foreign ministries of both countries, aimed at enhancing cooperation between diplomatic institutes and academies and exchanging experiences and training programs.
- A memorandum on cooperation in the agricultural sector between the Lebanese and Spanish Ministries of Agriculture.
- A memorandum on cooperation between the Lebanese National Library and the Spanish National Library.