President of the Republic Joseph Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s readiness for a just and lasting peace with Israel in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative during the emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Qatar, convened to discuss the recent Israeli airstrikes against this country.
He stated, “In a few days, we have an appointment with the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where the entire world seeking peace will meet. Let us go there with a unified position, embodied by one question: Does the government of Israel want a just and lasting peace in our region? If the answer is yes, then we are ready in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative.”
President Aoun underlined that the recent attack on Qatar was not only against a nation but also against the principle of dialogue and mediation. “The aim of the attack was not to target negotiators, but to eliminate the idea of negotiation itself,” he said, highlighting Qatar’s role as a hub for dialogue and peace in the region. He called for a unified Arab position at the UN, stating that if Israel answers positively, Lebanon is ready to engage immediately under the Arab Peace Initiative, first proposed in 2002 by Saudi Arabia and supported internationally, including recently through the UN “New York Declaration.”
The Lebanese President condemned ongoing violence across the region, from Gaza to Syria and Lebanon, and urged an approach that ends cycles of disappointment and builds practical solutions.
President Aoun arrived in Doha on Monday morning, where he was received by Qatari officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Minister of Culture Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. Upon arrival at the Sheraton Hotel conference venue, he held a meeting with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi and Special Advisor Brigadier General Andre Rahal.
During the meeting, President Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s solidarity with Qatar and appreciation for its support, while the Emir reiterated Qatar’s commitment to Lebanese stability and security.
The summit brought together numerous Arab and Islamic leaders, including King Abdullah II of Jordan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other high-ranking officials.
President Aoun also held brief bilateral meetings addressing regional challenges and the Israeli threat.
The Lebanese delegation included Minister Raggi, Ambassador Farah Berri, Ambassador Ali Halabi and Brigadier General Andre Rahal.
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