Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon, welcomed the progress in the pre-conference talks in Paris for the conference to support the Lebanese army and internal security forces, and expressed appreciation for the efforts of France and Jordan and the participation of various countries and international organizations.

Aoun said he hopes that friendly countries and international bodies will respond to the needs of the Lebanese army and internal security forces in order to strengthen the capabilities of these two institutions.

He also emphasized the protection of national sovereignty and dignity and “the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the Lebanese state, and not any other party,” and said that the army has a pivotal role in expanding the state’s sovereignty across all Lebanese territory, especially in the south after its liberation.