Sarai Conveys Invitation to President Aoun for Canada Visit

President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun received Canadian Minister for International Development Randeep Sarai this afternoon at Baabda Palace in the presence of the Canadian ambassador to Lebanon, Gregory Galligan, discussing Lebanese-Canadian relations and ways to enhance them across all fields. The Canadian minister affirmed his country's support for Lebanon during its current circumstances and expressed readiness to assist in humanitarian and developmental areas based on the friendship between Lebanon and Canada. Minister Sarai conveyed an invitation to President Aoun to visit Canada and meet with its officials. President Aoun thanked the Canadian minister for his visit and interest in Lebanon, outlining the situation from various perspectives, particularly emphasizing the importance of Canadian aid in humanitarian and social sectors, especially in facilitating the return of southerners to their villages and securing housing in towns and villages destroyed by Israeli forces through providing ready-made temporary housing units while awaiting the start of the reconstruction process led by the Lebanese state after the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the army up to international borders.

President Aoun stressed the importance of activating joint cooperation programs between the two countries, particularly in economic and investment areas, to which the Canadian minister responded positively, expressing his country's willingness to pursue this matter. The discussion addressed the situation in the south, where President Aoun explained Lebanon’s position regarding the Lebanese-American-Israeli negotiations that produced the "Framework Agreement," which Lebanon insists on implementing, thus demanding pressure on Israel to comply with its provisions, including halting the demolition, destruction, and scraping of homes and properties and targeting civilians, as recently occurred in the towns of Anzar and Al-Zahrani. President Aoun welcomed economic cooperation between the two nations, affirming that political and security stability boosts the economy and tourism and attracts investments, noting the role played by members of the Lebanese diaspora in Canada in supporting residents in Lebanon.

Minister of Youth and Sports

On a separate note, President Aoun discussed sports affairs and planned activities with Minister of Youth and Sports Mrs. Nora Berkydarian, including initiatives under "Sports Week in Lebanon," approved by a decision of the Council of Ministers, as well as future ministry projects.

President of the Sisters of the Holy Family (Maronite)

Additionally, President Aoun received the General Superior of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, Mother Marie Antoinette Saad, along with a delegation of sisters. She thanked the President and First Lady Noura Aoun for their participation in the beatification celebration of Patriarch Elias Hoyek in Dimaan, as well as for the support the congregation received during preparations for the beatification event.