President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon had endured difficult years during which its people paid a heavy price, stressing that experience had shown that division protects no one.

Speaking during a visit to the Rachid Karami International Fair in Tripoli, Aoun said the country’s priority must be to put Lebanon’s interests above narrow political considerations and strengthen national unity through justice and equal rights and responsibilities.

“A stable state is one in which weapons are held exclusively by its army,” he said, adding that Lebanon must restore the role of productive economic activity and create opportunities for young people to build their future at home. He also said Tripoli could play a key role in Lebanon’s recovery and development.

“The state is not in confrontation with its people; it is their guarantee. It does not belong to one group, but to all Lebanese,” Aoun said.

Describing Tripoli as a city of central importance in Lebanon’s history, the president said its residents were partners in building the state. He stressed that development across the country’s regions was both a duty and a right, adding that no Lebanese citizen should feel abandoned.

Aoun also pledged to remain equally committed to all Lebanese, saying the country could not recover through the efforts of a single political group, region or religious community. Progress, he said, would come when citizens stood together and their national identity took precedence over all other affiliations.

Addressing Tripoli’s residents directly, Aoun praised the Lebanese Army and security forces, describing them as members of the community who sacrifice for its protection.

“The era of deprivation, exclusion and marginalization is over,” he said.

Watch the attached video for more.