In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus met with Lebanese President Michel Aoun at the Presidential Palace on Saturday. The discussions covered multiple critical issues affecting Lebanon and the region.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Southern Lebanon Security Situation

   • Operations of the international monitoring committee (UNIFIL)

   • Israeli occupation forces withdrawal from Lebanese territories

2. Lebanese-Syrian Border Dynamics

   • Current security conditions

   • Ongoing coordination between Lebanese and Syrian authorities

3. Domestic Reform Agenda

   • Financial and economic reforms

   • Government anti-corruption measures

Meeting Details:

• Format: Began with a 30-minute private discussion between Aoun and Ortagus

• Atmosphere: Described as "constructive" in the presidential statement

• U.S. Delegation: Included Natasha Francesca, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern and Syrian Affairs

Contextual Background:

• This marks Ortagus' second official visit to Lebanon, following her February 2024 trip

• Part of continued U.S. diplomatic efforts to address:

  • Regional stability

  • Lebanese economic recovery

  • Border security challenges

Presidential Statement Excerpts:
"The meeting addressed priority files including southern Lebanon's stability and the importance of implementing UN resolutions regarding Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories."

Next Steps:

• Enhanced U.S.-Lebanon coordination on border security mechanisms

• Continued dialogue on economic reform implementation