Lebanese-Greek Summit in Athens... President Aoun: We Are Tired of Wars!

President of the Republic Joseph Aoun arrived at the Presidential Palace in Greece, where he was received by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou at the entrance. After taking commemorative photos, the two presidents proceeded into the palace, where President Sakellaropoulou provided President Aoun with a brief explanation of the official reception protocols. Following the playing of the Lebanese and Greek national anthems, the two leaders moved to the reception hall, where President Aoun shook hands with members of the Greek delegation, then President Sakellaropoulou shook hands with members of the Lebanese delegation.

President Sakellaropoulou delivered a speech welcoming President Aoun, saying: "Mr. President, Lebanon is a friend of the Hellenic Republic. Let me welcome you to Athens. The topics you will discuss with your advisors reflect the level of bilateral relations between our countries—not only on the natural level, but also historically, as these relations also connect our peoples.

"Our two nations are located east of the Mediterranean Sea and are linked by the relationships I have mentioned. We are committed to respecting international laws and agreements, based on United Nations principles and through peaceful means, as established between our countries. Greece fully understands the great responsibility placed upon you in leading Lebanon, the friendly country. At the same time, we are confident that you will be up to the task entrusted to you and will guide Lebanon to safety after assuming your duties under extremely difficult and sensitive circumstances. You will succeed soon, and we stand beside you to strengthen our bilateral relations, especially under the difficult conditions you mentioned—conditions well known to all of us.

"You are now engaged in direct negotiations with Israel, aiming to enable Lebanon to feel independence, prosperity, and peace through the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. We know from your previous communications that you are making significant efforts toward this goal. Please know that Greece stands with you in building peace and strengthening an independent Lebanon. We are close to you and support all your efforts. Greece will do its utmost during its presidency of the European Union starting in January 2027 to strengthen and deepen relations between Lebanon and the EU.

"One reason Greece feels close to Lebanon is the presence of Lebanese people in our country, and the existence of an Orthodox community in Lebanon, many of whose members are members of the Lebanese Parliament. These connections help strengthen our bilateral ties. We also must not overlook a very important matter: the historic and venerable Antiochian Patriarchate in your country, which contributes significantly to strengthening our bilateral relations.

"One key indicator that our relations are strong and close is what happened yesterday, when a ship carrying military aid arrived at the port of Beirut. We assure you that we will continue supporting Lebanon and backing your efforts to strengthen our shared relations, so that Lebanon remains independent, prosperous, and secure in all areas.

President Aoun

Then President Aoun responded with a speech, stating: "Mr. President, dear friend, I begin by thanking you for inviting me to visit your country and for the warm reception. I seize this opportunity to thank the Greek people, government, and leadership for their continuous and steadfast support of Lebanon—whether political support within international groups and the European Union, or humanitarian assistance. In every crisis Lebanon faces, Greece stands by its side. We do not forget military support either, and you mentioned the recent shipment of military equipment arriving in Lebanon just days ago, along with previous military aid.

"The primary goal of this visit is to advance relations across all fronts for the benefit and interest of both nations," he said. "Regional and Lebanese stability is essential for Greece’s and Europe’s stability. Instability in Lebanon would negatively affect the entire region. We always seek and look forward to the help of friends like Greece, as we share common interests, particularly in international forums, the European Union, and among all of Greece’s allies. Lebanon and its people are tired of wars. The purpose of beginning negotiations with Israel is to end hostility. With the good offices of the United States, we have reached an agreement on framework terms, but it cannot be implemented unilaterally—it must be applied fully and jointly by both parties, without selectivity. Here, we request Greece’s fullest possible assistance in implementing this agreement.

"4,300 martyrs and above, over 12,000 injured, and the complete destruction of nearly 70 villages—none of this has led to any result. Using military force to solve problems has never worked and never will. Lebanon has endured the tragedies of war; it is time to rest. The best solution to current challenges lies in diplomacy. We are advocates of peace and determined to end hostilities with Israel and establish the best possible relations with our neighbors.

"I repeat my thanks to you, Mr. President, to the friendly Greek people, and to the Greek government for your sincerity toward Lebanon, and for the hope of future meetings and further development of our relations for the benefit of both nations.

The Golden Book

Subsequently, the two presidents proceeded to the Byzantine Salon, where President Aoun inscribed the following message in the Golden Book: 'It is a great pleasure for me to express, at the Presidential Palace in Greece, my sincere appreciation for the warmth of the reception and the generosity of hospitality I and the Lebanese delegation have received. The historical bonds of friendship between Lebanon and Greece are rooted in our shared Mediterranean heritage and our mutual commitment to peace, dialogue, and cooperation.

May the ancient friendship between our peoples continue to grow and flourish, for the benefit of our nations and future generations.'

Afterward, President Aoun and his accompanying delegation departed toward the Government Presidency 'MAXIMOS MAISON'.