President of the Republic Joseph Aoun held a series of meetings at Baabda Palace addressing religious, social, economic, and institutional matters, underscoring the presidency’s engagement with national priorities.
President Aoun met with Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Joseph III Younan, with whom he discussed the conditions of members of the Syriac Catholic community. The Patriarch invited the President to attend the Pontifical Mass marking the feast of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, patron saint of the Syriac Church, to be held on Saturday, 21 February, at St. George’s Cathedral in Khandaq al-Ghamiq–Bachoura.
The President also received a delegation from Tripoli, which briefed him on the city’s situation following the recent disaster. The delegation said President Aoun expressed deep concern and solidarity, noting that he is closely following the aftermath, coordinating with measures announced by the Prime Minister’s Office, and conducting contacts to mobilize assistance. They stressed that Tripoli suffers from long-standing marginalization requiring serious treatment, and appealed for urgent support given the scale of the crisis.
In a separate meeting, President Aoun was briefed by Middle East Airlines Chairman and Director General Mohammad El Hout on the airline’s situation and future plans. The President praised MEA’s role in maintaining Lebanon’s air connectivity and commended its staff for their continued efforts.
President Aoun also assured a delegation from the union of employees of mobile sector operating companies that workers’ rights will be safeguarded under any future framework for this vital telecommunications sector.
On the legislative front, President Aoun promulgated the 2026 State Budget Law, approved by Parliament, which was issued as Law No. 40 dated 10 February.
President Aoun met with Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Joseph III Younan, with whom he discussed the conditions of members of the Syriac Catholic community. The Patriarch invited the President to attend the Pontifical Mass marking the feast of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, patron saint of the Syriac Church, to be held on Saturday, 21 February, at St. George’s Cathedral in Khandaq al-Ghamiq–Bachoura.
The President also received a delegation from Tripoli, which briefed him on the city’s situation following the recent disaster. The delegation said President Aoun expressed deep concern and solidarity, noting that he is closely following the aftermath, coordinating with measures announced by the Prime Minister’s Office, and conducting contacts to mobilize assistance. They stressed that Tripoli suffers from long-standing marginalization requiring serious treatment, and appealed for urgent support given the scale of the crisis.
In a separate meeting, President Aoun was briefed by Middle East Airlines Chairman and Director General Mohammad El Hout on the airline’s situation and future plans. The President praised MEA’s role in maintaining Lebanon’s air connectivity and commended its staff for their continued efforts.
President Aoun also assured a delegation from the union of employees of mobile sector operating companies that workers’ rights will be safeguarded under any future framework for this vital telecommunications sector.
On the legislative front, President Aoun promulgated the 2026 State Budget Law, approved by Parliament, which was issued as Law No. 40 dated 10 February.
