The Federal Government has congratulated the newly elected President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun.
Aoun secured 99 votes in Lebanon’s 128-seat parliament, overcoming a prolonged deadlock that left the country without a Head of State since October 2022.
The FG, in a statement on Saturday signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to further strengthen the historic and vibrant relationship between the two nations.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria offers its congratulations to Joseph Aoun following his election as President of the Republic of Lebanon.
“Nigeria looks forward to further strengthening our historic, strong, and vibrant relationship for the benefit of all our people,” the statement read.
Aoun, Lebanon’s army chief, was elected president in a move that ends a two-year power vacuum.
His candidacy for the mostly ceremonial role was supported by several prominent political factions in Lebanon, as well as international powers, including the US, France, and Saudi Arabia.
His rival, a candidate backed by Hezbollah, withdrew and endorsed Aoun just days before the election.
The election came shortly after Lebanon brokered a ceasefire agreement to end a war with Israel. Aoun, who has led the Lebanese army since 2017, is set to play a significant role in the country’s recovery and stability.
One of his primary responsibilities under the ceasefire agreement will be overseeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and ensuring Hezbollah’s disarmament by January 26.
In his inaugural speech, Aoun vowed to usher in a new phase for Lebanon, with a focus on restoring the Lebanese state’s control over weapons, a reference to Hezbollah’s powerful military presence.
He also emphasised the need for reconstruction in areas damaged during the conflict with Israel, which the World Bank estimates will cost around $8.5 billion.