Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stressed on Tuesday during talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II the importance of strengthening security and defense cooperation between their countries, especially in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling.
Aoun began an official visit to Jordan on Tuesday, where he met with King Abdullah II at the Basman Palace in Amman.
The two leaders agreed to form a high-level coordination mechanism between their countries in a number of sectors. They discussed ways to boost ties between Jordan and Lebanon, as well as recent developments in the region.
King Abdullah and Aoun expressed their pride in the deep-rooted relations between Amman and Beirut, and the importance of continuing to build on them in service of mutual interests and Arab causes. They stressed the importance of maintaining coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.
At the regional level, the leaders reiterated their rejection of any plans to displace Palestinians, and urged stepping up Arab and international efforts to reach just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, reported Lebanon’s National New Agency (NNA)
They urged the need to immediately reinstate the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure adequate humanitarian aid reaches all areas of the enclave, said a statement by Jordan's royal court.
King Abdullah also highlighted the danger of the unprecedented Israeli escalation and violence targeting Palestinians in the West Bank, and Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Aoun stressed the need to strengthen security and defense cooperation between Lebanon and Jordan, especially in the field of combating terrorism and smuggling, said a Lebanese presidency statement.
He underlined the importance of boosting economic and trade cooperation and exchanging expertise to promote sustainable development.
The meeting covered the importance of increasing the volume of trade exchange and promoting joint investments, particularly in energy, electricity, and infrastructure sectors.
Discussing the situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun reiterated his country’s commitment “to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while denouncing the continued Israeli aggression against the southern villages and suburbs of Beirut.”
The president also drew attention to the pressing issue of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, describing it as a significant burden on both countries that requires a just solution ensuring safe and dignified repatriation.
On Lebanese-Syrian relations following the ouster of the Assad regime, Aoun said Lebanese and Syrian authorities are coordinating to address issues related to the situation on their joint borders.
